All posts by FNU47

HASIM RAHMAN JR. PRO DEBUT MOVED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 14 MGM NATIONAL HARBOR IN OXON HILL, MD

RAHMAN TO FACE IMES ON UNDERCARD OF BLOCKBUSTER SHOBOX EVENT  
 
NEW YORK (March 27, 2017) – When promoter Greg Cohen announced he had finalized arrangements for his next event, the decision to delay his promising heavyweight hopeful, Hasim Rahman Jr.‘s, professional boxing debut two more weeks became an easy one.
 
Originally scheduled to turn professional on March 23, Baltimore native Rahman will now have his first four-round fight in front of a huge contingent of hometown family and friends on Friday, April 14, at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
 
Rahman will face Kansas City’s Brian Imes (1-4, 1 KO) on the non-televised undercard portion of an event that features the live telecast of undefeated Dmitry Bivol defending his interim WBA Light Heavyweight title against Samuel Clarkson in the 12-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader (10 p.m. ET/PT).  In the co-feature, unbeaten welterweight prospects Juan Ruiz and Malik Hawkins will square off in an eight-round bout, and Baltimore’s undefeated featherweight Glenn Dezurn will open the telecast.
 
Tickets for the event, which is co-promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions and Banner Promotions in association with World of Boxing and Uprising Promotions, are priced at $103, $73 and $48 and can be purchased at www.TicketMaster.com.
 
“You only get one pro debut, so when Greg announced this show, he and I thought it would be a great idea for me to turn pro on this show instead, in front of my hometown friends and family,” explained Rahman.
 
The 25-year-old, son of Hasim “The Rock” Rahman, who famously knocked out Lennox Lewis in April 2001 to win the WBC and IBF Heavyweight Championships, says to being at home is a very important part of his mission.
 
“I’m doing this for my family and my friends and my city, so I think I should start right in front of them,” Rahman continued. “And someday I’ll bring them back the heavyweight championship. I can’t wait to fight on the same show as my brother with all my loved ones watching. It’s going to be a very big night.”
 
“We didn’t get the final word we were doing the Maryland show until a few days ago,” said Greg Cohen. “But once we knew it was happening, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to let Hasim Jr. turn pro at home. It just worked out perfectly.”
 
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
 
# # #
 
For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, and @GCPBoxing or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/GCPBoxing/ anwww.facebook.com/BannerPromotions/.

Top Russian heavyweight Sergei Kharitonov Commits to fighting on M-1 Challenge 80 card June 15 in China

 
 

MOSCOW (March 27, 2017) – Russian heavyweight Sergei “The Paratrooper” Kharitonov has committed to fighting June 15 on the M-1 Challenge 80 card in Harbin, China.  Kharitonov will square-off against veteran Brazilian MMA fighter Marcus Viniciuds “Montanha” Lopes in the main event.
Kharitonov (23-6-0, M-1: 3-0-0) is undefeated in three M-1 Challenge events having defeated former M-1 Challenge heavyweight champion Kenny “Deuce” Garner twice, at M-1 Challenge 59 in 2015 at Kazakhstan (WKO/TKO4 – punches) and M-1 Challenge 43 in 2013 at China, (KO/TKO3 – injury), and to Alexei Kudin at M-1 Challenge 53 in 2014 Russia (KO2).
Kharitonov, who has also fought in Strikeforce and PRIDE, has defeated some of the greatest heavyweight MMA fighters of all-time, including Allistair Overeem, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum and Pedro Rizzo.
Lopes (15-0-0, M-1: 2-1-0) defeated Evgeni Myakinkin by three-round unanimous decision this past February at M-1 Challenge 74.  Lopes won a three-round unanimous decision over Kurban Ibragimov in his M-1 debut last July.  His lone M-1 loss came at M-1 Challenge 71 this past October to former M-1 Challenge light heavyweight champion Stephan Puetz, who used a choke hold for a third-round submission victory.
A pressure fighter and solid striker, Lopes is a jiu-jitsu champion in his native Brazil, where most of his MMA fights have been held during his 6 1/2-years professional career.
In a recent interview with M-1 Global News, Kharitonov said, “I received a lot of offers but I prefer to fight in M-1 Global.”  Below is the complete Q & A with Kharitonov:
Do you know who your opponent will be at M-1 Challenge and, if not, what are your expectations?
SK: “I don’t not know anything yet.  I received an offer from M-1 to fight in China.  Since I have been talking with (M-1 Global president) Vadim Finkelchtein for a long time and understand each other, I gave my consent   Vadim said I am popular in China and that he wanted me to represent Russia in this tournament.  At this moment, I have no thoughts or assumptions about this fight because I’m focused on my upcoming Bellator fight.  This is my main objective right now and after that fight I will think about the M-1 fight.”
Bellator did not give permission for a fight last December in Russia.  What changed this time and was it difficult to get permission to fight again in M-1?
SK: “There were no problems.  I do not want to comment on how we came to an agreement, bit one thing is for sure, I’ve received permission and after my next Bellator fight I will fight at M-1 Challenge 80 in China.”
 
You fought in China at M-1 Challenge 53.  How do you like the local audience there and what are your overall impressions of the tournament?
SK: “Everything was fine.  I liked the level of organization, fans’ attitude toward the athletes, and the response from the public.  I think M-1 has good experience in terms of holding tournaments in China, so this time they can make it an even bigger show.”
Do you accept offers to fight from other Russian organizations and why did you decided to fight in M-1?
SK: “Yes, I received a lot of offers, especially recently.  I won’t say specifically but they were from major Russian MMA organizations.  But I have a long relationship with M-1 and me and Vadim know each other well.  We get along well and trust each other.  Therefore, O prefer to fight in M-1 Global.”
         
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

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

2016 Olympic Bronze medalist Nico Hernandez Shines in professional debut win at home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams decisions Eduardo “Thunder” Garza to improve to 10-0
 
Neeco “Rooster” Macias crows after 
Dominant victory over Cesar Soriano
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins”
OFFICIAL RESULTS 
Nico Hernandez (R) is a future star
 
(all pictures by Charles Yellowfeather / KO Night Boxing)
MULVANE, Kansas (March 25, 2017) — A future star was born last night as 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Nico Hernandez turned in a stellar performance in his professional debut, stopping Pat “Slacks” Gutierrez in the fourth round of the “KO Night Boxing: History Begins” main event, which aired live on CBS Sports Network from Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas.
“KO Night Boxing: History Begins” was presented by KO Night Boxing LLC, in association with Kansas Star Casino, and sponsored by Miller Lite, Mel   Hambelton FORD and TITLE Boxing.
The large, hometown crowd of more than 3,100 had Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO) pumped to start the fight, in which he quickly established himself as the clear aggressor.  The 21-year-old settled down in the second, showing his full arsenal of punches, as he banged Gutierrez’ body and also landed effectively upstairs.
Hernandez cut off the ring in the third, often trapping Gutierrez (0-3) on the ropes, where he unloaded punishing punches that started to take its toll on the gutsy Las Vegas fighter. Hernandez’ dominance continued in the fourth, even as he surprisingly switched from orthodox to southpaw stance, hurting Gutierrez until his corner asked the referee to halt the action.
Nico Hernandez (R) pounded Pat Gutierrez
“It doesn’t get better than this,” a beaming Hernandez said after the fight. “It means so much for me to bring boxing to Wichita, to all of Kansas, for these awesome fans.  I started switching up a little because it was worked.  I’d like to get back fighting again in two months.
“I wasn’t to thank KO Night Boxing.  This was the way I pictured it.  As I was waiting in the tunnel, I could hear the crowd chanting my name.  This was a great night of boxing.  I want to bring more shows here.
“Fighting here tonight was much different than fighting in the Olympics (in Brazil).  Tonight they were cheering me, they booed me at the Olympics no matter who I fought because I was an American.”
In the co-feature, gifted New Haven (CT) southpaw Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams improved his undefeated record to 10-0 (3 KOs), displaying special ring skills on his way to an impressive eight-round unanimous decision over tough Eduardo “Thunder” Garza (6-2, 2 KOs).
A classic boxer, Williams also showed some pop tonight, dropping Garza twice, once in the first round and again in the third. Williams, who made his promotional debut for Roc Nation Sports, rolled to victory by scores of 79-71 twice and 78-72.
Tramaine Williams (R) outclassed Eduardo Garza
“I performance okay,” Williams commented.  “The last two rounds I was a little winded but I hadn’t been in the ring for two years.  We knew he dropped his chin when he jabbed; I followed the game plan and it worked.  He fought his butt off, he didn’t come to lose.  Now, I want to fight the best. Let’s go!”
Relentless junior middleweight Neeco “Rooster” Macias (15-0, 8 KOs), fighting out of Tehachapi, California, enhanced his reputation as a rising contender on the regional scene, assaulting his game Mexican foe, Cesar Soriano (26-35-1, 16 KOs), from the opening bell until the very end for a hard-fought win by eight-round unanimous decision.
A southpaw known for his non-stop motor, Macias connected with punches thrown from every conceivable angle, leaving Soriano no room to move or time to catch his wind, to win by scores of 80-71, 79-72, 78-73).
Neeco Macias had too much for Cesar Soriano
“I feel like I could have done better,” Macias admitted.  “My opponent came to fight eight rounds and we respect for each other.  I’m still learning.  Everybody has a game plan until they get hit.  I didn’t move like I should have.  I thank my opponent for giving me a fight I can learn from.

“I was surprised he took so many punches, but he’s a veteran and I didn’t underestimate him.  I trained hard and needed every bit of it.  I’m getting better and I’m coming back strong to make boxing more exciting.”

Fighting for the first time since last August, Kansas favorite Jeff Page, Jr. (18-3, 12 KOs) dropped Missouri veteran Steve “The Spoiler” Walker (26-34-1, 16 KOs) three times for a first-round technical knockout victory in a fight contested at a 186-pounds catchweight.
In a non-title fight, Kansas State junior middleweight champion Efrain Morales (5-0, 2 KOs) remained undefeated, stopping fellow Kansan Robert Alexander Seyan (2-6, 2 KOs) in the opening round.
Kansas featherweight Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO) pitched a shutout, winning all four rounds against pro-debuting Kevin “Indio” Garcia.
Kansas cruiserweight Juan Hollingsworth (1-0) won his pro debut by way of a four-round unanimous decision over Raymond Gray (1-2),
TITLE Boxing is the official apparel and gloves partner for Knockout Night Boxing.
Complete results & post-fight presser conference quotes below:
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(Winners listed first each fight)
MAIN EVENT – JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHTS
Nico Hernandez (1-0, 1 KO), Wichita, KS
WTKO4 (2:32)
Pat Gutierrez (0-3), Las Vegas, NV
CO-FEATURE – FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tramaine Williams (19-0, 3 KOs), New Haven, CT
WDEC8 (79-71, 79-71, 78-72)
Eduardo Garza (6-2, 2 KOs), Pal View, TX
CRUISERWEIGHTS
Juan Hollingsworth (1-0, 1 KO), Winfield, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Raymond Gray (1-2, 0 KO), Columbia, MO
CATCHWEIGHT (186 lbs.)
Jeff Page, Jr. (18-3, 12 KOs), Andover, KS
WTKO1 (2:36)
Steve Walker (26-34, 18 KOs), Hannibal, MO
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Neeco Macias (15-0, 8 KOs), Tehachapi, CA
WDEC8 (80-71, 79-72, 78-73)
Cesar Soriano (26-35-1, 16 KOs), Mexico City, Mexico
Efrain Morales (5-0, 2 KOs), Garden City. KS
WTKO1 (1:46)
Robert Alexander Seyam (2-6, 2 KOs), Wichita, KS
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Eric Vargas (2-0, 1 KO), Garden City, KS
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
Kevin Garcia (0-1), Rio Rancho, NM
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @Kansas_Star, @Neonstarmedia, @KONightBoxing
Follow on Twitter & Instagram: @Nicomhernandez & @Tramaine_Midget and ABT Films on Twitter @abtfilms

Fight Network Presents LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai & GLORY 39 BrusselsDoubleheader Live this Weekend

For Immediate Release – March 24, 2017

 

TORONTO – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents an action-packed weekend of live combat sports action, beginning tonight, Friday, March 24 at 9 p.m. ET, with LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai emanating from the Arena Theatre in Houston, Texas.

Airing live on Fight Network in Canada and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, LFA 7: Sanchez vs. Mai will feature a flyweight showdown between undefeated Roberto Sanchez (5-0) and Klayton Mai (8-2) and a bantamweight co-main event pitting once-beaten Adrian Yanez (5-1) against Domingo Pilarte (6-1).

GLORY, the world’s premier kickboxing league, starts its Spring season with a live doubleheader on Fight Network this Saturday, March 25 from Forest National in Brussels, Belgium.

Up first at 1 p.m. ET, GLORY 39 SuperFight Series features a clash for the GLORY lightweight world championship, as reigning GLORY champion Sitthichai (113-30-5, 30 KO) defends his belt against No. 1 ranked challenger Dylan Salvador (49-11-1, 21 KO).

The complete six-fight card for GLORY 39 SuperFight Series can be found below:

  • Lightweight World Title Headline Bout: Sitthichai vs. Dylan Salvador
  • Lightweight Co-Headline Bout: Marat Grigorian vs. Anton Petrov
  • Heavyweight Bout: Hesdy Gerges vs. Chi Lewis-Parry
  • Catchweight (150 lb / 68 kg) Bout: Qinghao Meng vs. Killian Moulun
  • Welterweight Bout: Harut Grigorian vs. Pavol Garaj
  • Lightweight Bout: Tyjani Beztati vs. Sabri Ben Henia

The GLORY 39 Brussels main card airs live this Saturday, March 25 at 4 p.m. ET, headlined by newly crowned GLORY welterweight champion Cédric “The Best” Doumbé (65-4-1, 39 KO) of France defending his belt for the first time against Swiss striker and No. 2 ranked welterweight Yoann Kongolo (64-8, 46 KO).

The complete five-fight card for GLORY 39 Brussels can be found below:

  • Welterweight World Title Headline Bout: Cédric Doumbé vs. Yoann Kongolo
  • Featherweight Tournament Final Bout: Winner of Bout A vs. Winner of Bout B
  • Heavyweight Co-Headline Bout: Jamal Ben Saddik vs. Guto Inocente
  • Featherweight Tournament Semifinal Bout B: Serhiy Adamchuk vs. Nafi Bilalovski
  • Featherweight Tournament Semifinal Bout A: Petchpanomrung Kiatmookao vs. Aleksei Ulianov

The GLORY doubleheader will be televised live exclusively on Fight Network in Canada and Turkey.

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

Iconic ‘WOS’ British Wrestling to Return to ITV

MANCHESTER | NASHVILLE – ITV Studios Entertainment Manchester announced today that it has teamed up with IMPACT Wrestling, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp.,  to bring WOS Wrestling back to ITV, with an initial commission for a 10-part series.

The commission from ITV’s Helen Warner follows a successful one-off-special, which aired on New Year’s Eve 2016. The Executive Producers for ITV Studios are Tom McLennan and Simon Marsh. Jeff Jarrett, the Chief Creative Officer for IMPACT Wrestling, will be the Executive Producer for IMPACT Wrestling.

Thirty years after the original WOS ended – and legendary stars such as Big Daddy, Mick McManus and Rollerball Rocco left British screens – this new series will feature the very best of today’s wrestlers from the current red-hot U.K. wrestling scene.

They will compete in front of a live audience at the intimate Preston Guild Hall on Thursday 25th May and Friday 26th May (doors 7pm / bell time 7.30pm).

Tickets for these historic shows will go on sale at 9am on Friday 7th April from Gigsandtours.com /Ticketmaster.co.uk / prestonguildhall.co.uk

There will also be a launch event this Monday (27th March) at 2 pm in Manchester, where the full details of the WOS live shows will be announced, including the roster. Press and fans are invited to attend to the launch, which will include a Q&A and meet & greet. Places are extremely limited, to reserve one please email wswaudience@itv.com

This initial commission is part of a comprehensive co-production agreement between ITV Studios and IMPACT Wrestling to relaunch the WOS Wrestling brand, bringing British stars to ITV while leveraging the roster and creative team of IMPACT Wrestling along with its expertise in live event production and international distribution.

“This opportunity to work with ITV Studios to revive this iconic brand in the United Kingdom is a perfect example of the ways in which we intend to leverage our strengths to build our presence in international markets in collaboration with local organizations,” said Ed Nordholm, president of IMPACT Wrestling.

Director of Entertainment, ITV Studios Manchester, Tom McLennan said: “Britain’s wrestling scene is thriving and there has never been a better time to bring it back to ITV after a gap of 30 years.”

Jeff Jarrett, Chief Creative Officer for IMPACT Wrestling, added: “The WOS brand is etched in professional wrestling tradition. My family’s lineage in the industry dates back 70-plus years, so I am honoured for the opportunity to work on reviving the legacy of this historic British series.”

JORGE LINARES DEFENDS WBA LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® FROM MANCHESTER ENGLAND

Win Sets Up A Possible Unification Fight With WBC World Champion Mikey Garcia; Encore Presentation of Tonight’s Fight Airs at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®

 

Photos Courtesy: Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Sport

https://cbs.box.com/s/2fx8r5fs49rxny6vx26aiva5jj7qoxzu

NEW YORK (March 25, 2017) – Jorge Linares defended his WBA Lightweight World Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Crolla Saturday evening on SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL from Manchester, England.  The win sets Linares up for a possible unification fight with WBC Lightweight World Champion Mikey Garcia, a matchup that would be considered one of the best that can be made in any weight class.

Saturday’s main event from Manchester Arena aired live on SHOWTIME.  Live fight coverage was provided by Sky Sports with Adam Smith calling play-by-play and world champion Carl Froch serving as ringside analyst.  Garcia joined SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paul Malignaggi to provide commentary from a New York studio.

Linares and Crolla previously fought a fierce, closely contested battle last September, one that Linares won by just a few rounds.  On Saturday, Linares retained the belt by a wide margin—118-109 on all three scorecards—virtually outclassing Crolla from the outset.

“He seems to be getting better with age,” said Froch, sharing a growing sentiment among boxing pundits.

Linares (42-3, 27 KO’s) cruised through much of the fight with an impressive display of boxing skill and power.  A precisely timed uppercut floored Crolla in the seventh.  Moments later Linares nearly finished him with a flurry against the ropes.  Crolla, however, would not go quietly.  The Manchester native, perhaps spurned by his home crowd, bravely grew more aggressive in the second half of the fight.  But Linares was simply too sharp, too fast and too comfortable for Crolla to overcome.

Mikey Garcia is coming off a brilliant knockout of world champion Dejan Zlaticanin in January and is hungry for a unification bout.

“First off, I congratulate Jorge Linares for a great win,” said Garcia.  “His skill, flexibility, combinations and power were definitely impressive.  I hope we can make a fight as soon as possible.  He didn’t look cut or hurt so maybe we can fight this summer.”

Undefeated Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo Defends Against Top Contender Charles Hatley Saturday, April 22 On  SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, Presented by Premier Boxing Champions,  From Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 
Welterweight World Title Eliminator Between
Andre Berto & Shawn Porter Headlines Action-Packed Night
BROOKLYN (March 24, 2017) – Unbeaten WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Jermell Charlo will defend his world title against No. 1-rated challenger Charles Hatley Saturday, April 22 live on SHOWTIME® from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™.
Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, presented by Premier Boxing Champions, begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and is headlined by former world champions Andre Berto and Shawn Porter meeting in a 12-round welterweight world title eliminator.
Charlo (28-0, 13 KOs) will face his mandatory challenger Hatley (26-1-1, 18 KOs) after winning the vacant world title with a sensational eighth-round knockout of John Jackson in May of 2016.
“I’m once again ready to get in the ring and continue to build my legacy,” said Charlo. “I’ve been training hard, I’m focused and I’m even hungrier now that I have my belt. Charles Hatley has never been in the ring with someone like me and I’m going to do what’s necessary to get that win. My brother had an outstanding performance against Julian Williams and I want to compete with that. It’s motivated me and I’m ready to get out there and show off my power and skills.”
“I’ve been training for a long time for this fight and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Hatley. “I never stopped training since my last fight and I’m going to be ready to win that world title on April 22. Jermell is a good fighter, but he’s got a big mouth. I know we’re both training hard and going for the win, but I’m going to come out victorious.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, start at $50 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.comwww.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP. The Charlo vs. Hatley fight is co-promoted by TGB Promotions and Don King Promotions.
“The 154-pound division is very hot right now, and Jermell Charlo is one of the best and most exciting fighters in the weight class,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Charlo making the first defense of his WBC world title against a worthy challenger like Charles Hatley is a terrific addition to this card on April 22, at Barclays Center, televised by SHOWTIME. It’s also fun to have Hatley’s promoter Don King around. Only in America!”
“Jermell Charlo has demonstrated that he is a force in the 154-pound division and his confidence has only grown with winning the championship,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This match against Hatley will further cement his place in the division. It’s the kind of challenge that will allow Jermell to display all of his power and boxing ability.”
“The silver champion will become the world champion on April 22 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn,” said Don King of Don King Promotions. “We’re looking at a great fight. I know that Charlo will do the best he can. But he’s got two chances against Hatley –  slim and none and slim is out of town.”
One minute younger than his brother Jermall, Jermellwon his belt last year and made the Charlo brothers the first pair of twins to hold world title simultaneously in the same weight class.The 26-year-old from Houston trains in Dallas and is unbeaten since turning pro in December 2007. Charlo took on a steady slew of contenders on his way to a world title, including victories over Vanes Martirosyan, Gabriel Rosado and Joachim Alcine.
The first-time title challenger Hatley enters this fight on a nine-bout win streak after traveling to Australia to beat former two-time world champion Anthony Mundine by 11th round stoppage in 2015. The Dallas-native turned pro in 2008 after an impressive amateur career that saw him defeat Keith Thurman on his way to a U.S. National Amateur Championship. The 31-year-old won his first 14 fights and went his first 18 bouts without a defeat.
Charlo vs. Hatley becomes the eighth title fight or world title eliminator in the 154-pound weight class in the last 14 months on SHOWTIME or CBS, a roster featuring eight of the top-10 fighters in one of the deepest divisions in boxing.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @AndreBerto, @ShowtimeShawnP, @LouDiBella, @BarclaysCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing,www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith Headlines on Saturday, April 22nd at The Claridge in Atlantic City

         

 

Jerry Odom takes on Gabriel Pham

Stacked card features Anthony “Juice” Young

Also undefeated Leroy Davila, Elijah Vines, Tyrell Wright, John Bauza, Donald Smith & Dylan Price

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlantic City, NJ (March 24, 2017)- Undefeated super lightweight Keenan Smith will headline a big night of action on Saturday, April 22nd at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.

The show is promoted by GH3 Promotions and D and D Promotions.

The card will also feature many up and coming stars from the Philadelphia/New Jersey region.

Smith of Philadelphia has a record of 10-0 with 4 knockouts.

Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Featherweight Champion and a 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, turned pro in April 2010-at 130 pounds. Smith went 72-4 in the amateurs. Two of the victories came against current world-ranked contender Amir Imam.

He turned professional in 2010, and his wins over two undefeated fighters Alex Montes (1-0) and Lavelle Hadley (2-0). Smith also has a win over Bemjamin Whitaker (10-1) in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s ShoBox series. In his last bout, Smith defeated Marquis Hawthorne on January 20th in Atlantic City.

The will be Smith’s 6 fight Atlantic City.

In the exciting eight-round co-feature, Gabriel Pham will battle Jerry Odom in a super middleweight bout.

Pham of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a record of 8-1 with four knockouts.

The 28 year-old Pham turned professional in 2009, and won his first six bouts, which included a win over undefeated Michael Glenn (2-0). Since his only professional blemish, Pham has knocked out his last two opponents, with the latest being a 4th round stoppage over Chauncey Fields (4-10) on March 11th at The Claridge in Atlantic City.

This will be Pham’s 7th fight in Atlantic City, with this being his 3rd consecutive at The Claridge.

Odom of Bowie, Maryland has a record of 14-3-1 with 13 knockouts.

The 24 year-old is a 5 year professional. Odom won his first 11 bouts, which included a thrilling stoppage over previously undefeated Victor Quinonez (8-0) in six-rounds in a bout that was nationally televised on Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation.

Odom then was disqualified in his bout against Andrew Hernandez, when Odom hit Hernandez while he was down. The loss was extremely controversial, and Odom avenged that setback in dramatic fashion as he stopped Hernandez inside of a round in their rematch. Odom, who has appeared on ShoBox five times, stopped Julius Jackson (19-1) on July 22, 2016. In his last bout, Odom was stopped in five rounds by Philadelphia based upset specialist Taneal Goyco on November 11, 2016 in Philadelphia.

Appearing in six-round bouts will be:

Leroy Davila (5-0, 3 KO’s) of New Brunswick, New Jersey taking on an opponent to be named in a bantamweight bout.

Ian Green (12-1, 9 KO’s) of Paterson, New Jersey taking on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

Anthony “Juice” Young (15-2, 6 KO’s) of Atlantic City will take on an opponent to be named in a welterweight bout.

Tyrell Wright (9-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Jersey City, New Jersey battling Dan Pasciolla (9-2-1) of Brick, New Jersey in heavyweight bout.

John Bauza (5-0, 2 KO’s) of North Bergen, New Jersey will fight Tyrome Jones (4-0, 1 KO) of Chicago, Illinois in a super middleweight bout.

In four-round bouts:

Super Middleweight Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, super featherweight Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia, super flyweight Dylan Price (1-0, 1 KO) of Sicklerville, New Jersey as well as Manuel Rodriguez of Newark, New Jersey making his pro debut against will see action against opponents to be named.

Tickets range from $50 – $150 and can be purchased by calling 856-842-7577

WBC SANCTIONS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT ELIMINATOR BETWEEN UNDEFEATED DAVID BENAVIDEZ AND ROGELIO MEDINA FOR #2 MANDATORY TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP


Now that sanction has officially been granted, the next fight for red-hot undefeated super middleweight David “El Bandera Roja” Benavidez will be an eliminator for the #2 mandatory challenger spot in the WBC’s world rankings against highly regarded contender Rogelio “Porky” Medina, of Sonora, Mexico.

WBC #1-rated Callum Smith and WBC #2-rated Anthony Dirrell will fight for the vacant 168 WBC Championship (tentatively scheduled for May), the winner of that fight must then face undefeated WBC #3 contender, Avni Yildirim, from Turkey. The champion at the end of those two fights will be mandated to face the winner of the Benavidez vs. Medina eliminator.

For Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), who served as chief sparring partner for middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin’s recent preparations to face Danny Jacobs, news of the fight with Medina is a welcome development.

“This is the biggest opportunity of my life and I’m not going to let it go to waste,” said Benavidez. “I’m going to destroy this guy like I do everybody else. I have never trained this hard for a fight and I feel that, come fight time, I’ll be extremely strong and do it up.”

Considered a boxing prodigy by many, the 20-year-old Benavidez, who turned professional at age 16, is the brother of former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Jose Benavidez, and has been trained since age two by his father Jose Benavidez Sr.

Father/trainer Jose says everyone on Team Benavidez is aware of what’s at stake against the formidable Medina, who lost a controversial decision to IBF World Champion James DeGale’s last year, in a fight that many felt Medina won.

“We are excited and working really hard,” he said. “This is the toughest fight of his career, so we’re taking it super serious. This is a big opportunity for us to shine and look good and go to the next level. We were training with Golovkin here in Big Bear (California) and we’ve decided to stay here and keep training until the fight.”

“I know he’s a tough fighter and he’s been in a lot of wars, and he has a lot of experience, but I’m very motivated for this fight,” continued David. “We have a month and a half in training with Golovkin in camp already. Camp with him is hard work and training here in Big Bear gets you to the next level. The hard work I’m doing here will definitely get me this win.”

Promoter Lewkowicz says any remaining questions about young Benavidez will be answered in this fight.

“This is the final test for David Benavidez,” said Lewkowicz. “If he does to this guy what he did to so man other fighters, it will be time for the world to acknowledge that David is going to be a star in boxing. This test will show everyone that he is truly everything we’ve been saying he is since he was a teenager. I am proud of the hard work he is doing and look forward to this great victory.”

Date and site for the fight are being negotiated. More details to follow.

FNU Combat Sports Show: UFC Recaps, Golovkin vs. Jacobs Results, Bellator 175 Preview

Tom, Tony and Rich discuss the world of combat sports. Conor MacGregor will fight Floyd Mayweather, Jr. if you believe Dana White. We also chat about UFC Fight Night events featuring Jimi Manuwa and Kelvin Gastelum notching huge career wins. We look back at Golovkin vs. Jacobs and the unlikelihood of Canelo taking the fight with Golovkin now. We also preview King Mo Lawal vs. Rampage Jackson next Friday.

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