All posts by FNU47

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE TRAINING CAMP NOTES

Photo c/o Timothy Hernandez/Team Breazeale
Carson, California (February 14, 2017) – In just under two weeks, former world title challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (17-1, 15 KO’s) makes his anticipated return to the ring against Izu Ugonoh (17-0, 14 KO’s) on February 25, 2017 in Birmingham, Alabama. The intriguing heavyweight match up is scheduled to open up the Premier Boxing Champions telecast on Fox Television. This will be Breazeale’s first bout since taking on IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua last summer in a courageous and spirited effort, which took place in London, England.
Since then, Breazeale has taken some well deserved time off and has been in camp for the last eight weeks, preparing for his return bout with world renowned trainer Manny Robles. The heavyweight contender took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions about his bout with Joshua, his training camp, and his upcoming bout with Ugonoh on February 25th.
How was your experience going to England and fighting for the IBF world heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua?
“You know, travelling to England and fighting for the world heavyweight title was a great experience. From the time I got off the plane, to going to the hotel and eating out and everyone knowing who you are, it was definitely a good experience. I came to England with hopes of bringing back the title to the United States, but unfortunately it didn’t go as planned.”
“But I earned the respect of the boxing world and I came to fight that night and didn’t back down at all. I learned more from that one loss, then the seventeen combined fights I won. I realized that I was better than I thought I was. Since then, my stock has risen and I can’t wait to get back out there in the ring and show everyone that I am deserving of another shot at the title whether it’s a rematch against Joshua or a shot at Deontay Wilder or Jospeh Parker. I put the heavyweight division on notice that I am a legitimate contender.”
You were originally supposed to fight Artur Szpilka. Why was there a switch in opponents?

“Yes, I was scheduled to fight Artur Szpilka and then I was told by my management that I would no longer be fighting him. I am not sure what issues he had or if was determined by others that it wouldn’t be a good television fight due to his style. I was already in camp training with southpaws, so I prepared for Szpilka either way. Now we have moved on and are preparing for Ugonoh.”
How is training camp going?
“Training camp is going really well. I was in camp before the fight was announced so I am in great shape. My coaches Manny Robles and Edgar Jasso have a great fight plan for me and my strength and conditioning is also going well with coach Darryl Hudson. We are going back to the basics and just trying to master the jab and the one-two followed up by great shots that will have my opponent hitting the canvas.”
“One of my issues was just always trying to get that KO and thinking about it instead of just moving my hands and letting things open up. I have been working on that with my sparring partners and we are improving every day.”

What do you know about your opponent Izu Ugonoh?
“To be honest, I never really heard of him until my management asked me if I wanted to fight him. I looked him up and saw some video footage of him. As I understand it, he used to be a kick boxer who transformed into a boxer. He has some boxing skills and it looks like it will be a great match up for the fans.”
“Two heavyweights moving towards each other and throwing punches always has the possibility of fireworks and somebody getting knocked out. Coach Manny and I have reviewed film and we have a great plan come fight night. I clearly am the bigger and stronger fighter so I definitely think I have the edge.”
How does it feel to have your bout being nationally televised live on Fox television?
“You know, I have been blessed to have my last four fights nationally televised on the Premier Boxing Champions series with this being the fifth. It feels great and I am thankful to my management for allowing me the platform to showcase my skills. I have a great fan base which has grown so much since my last fight and I am glad that they are able to continue to follow me and my continued success.”
“It’s awesome that this fight is on regular Fox and you don’t need to have an expensive cable plan or pay to see the fights on February 25th. PBC is bringing it back to old days when you could see Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray Leonard on regular television before cable was popular. Free boxing is great for the fans.”
What are your expectations for the fight with Ugonoh and how it plays out?
“I’m coming to Alabama to win, plain and simple. Ugonoh has never been on a stage like this and I may put the gas on the pedal and pressure him a bit and let him know what it is like to be in the ring with a man who is 6’7″, 250 pounds imposing his will on him. It is going to be 10 rounds of hell for him if he lasts that long.”
“This is a must win for me if I expect to get another shot at the title and he is the next obstacle in the way. Come February 25th, the fans at the Legacy Arena in Alabama and people watching all over the world will be guaranteed a great fight.”
“Here Comes Trouble
 
#

NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME TO ANNOUNCE FIFTH CLASS OF INDUCTEES ON FEB. 15 IN LAS VEGAS

 
CEO/President Michelle Corrales-Lewis to welcome “exceptional” new class
 
LAS VEGAS (February 13, 2017) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will announce its fifth class of inductees on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m. PST, Hall CEO/ president Michelle Corrales-Lewis announced. The 2017 class of nine boxers and five contributors will be revealed at Real Boxing, 5137 W. Oquendo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89118.  Lunch will be provide by TC’s Rib Crib.
The honorees will be formally inducted at the popular gala dinner on Saturday, Aug. 12 at Caesars Palace. Ticket information will be released shortly.
“We have elected yet another exceptional class of inductees and I can’t wait to introduce them,” said Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was a member of the NVBHOF’s inaugural class in 2013. “We have some of the best boxers ever in this group and I know fans are going to be excited to have the opportunity to meet them.
“Our class of contributors is very strong as well and all have made a significant imprint upon boxing in Nevada.”
Past inductees include some of the greatest fighters who have ever lived, including Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Julio Cesar Chavez, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis and more.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible. The Hall’s charitable contributions over the five years since its formation have helped boxers in need and boxing-related charities. Donations are welcome.

The Hall was founded in 2013 by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta.   For more information, phone 702-3NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.
For Media Credentials Contact:                    For Information And Sponsorship Opportunities Contact:
Media Coordinator Jon Hait                             Chief Executive Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis
Email: jhshark@aol.com                                  Email: michelle@nvbhof.com
Phone: (702) 277-1020                                    Phone: 702-3-NVBHOF (702-368-2463)

World rated junior middleweight Kanat Islam looking to steal the show on Jones – Gunn undercard 

“Skill vs. Will”

LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW–FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
Wilmington, DE (February 13, 2017)-World rated junior middleweight Kanat Islam is looking for a big outing this Friday night when he takes on Robson Assis (16-3, 9 KO’s) on theRoy Jones, Jr. – Bobby Gunn WBF Cruiserweight title Pay-Per-View co-featured bout at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware.
The Islam – Assis bout is scheduled for 10-rounds.
Islam (22-0, 18 KO’s) has been training in his adopted home of Pahoke, Florida by way of Kazakhstan, is ready for whatever Assis will bring to the ring.
“Training has been great.  I know Assis is a southpaw, and he likes to box.  That’s about it!  Between all my amateur experience and pro bouts all over the world, I am ready for anything,”said Islam.
Before taking this fight, Islam was mentioned as possible opponent for WBO junior middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, before the Mexican superstar took a bout with Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.  This would be a fight that the 32 year-old Islam would relish.
“My people in Kazakhstan would love to see this fight.  My team wants to see it, and I want to be in that fight.  If that opportunity comes, I will focus and get the right sparring, and be ready for that opportunity.”
But before any of that can happen, Islam must 1st get past Assis on a card headlined by the legendary Roy Jones, Jr.  This is an opportunity, that Islam isn’t taking lightly.
“Roy Jones, Jr. is a legend, and a big name in boxing.  In the past and still today he is big.  It is an honor to fight on a card that he is in the main event.”
Back home in Kazakhstan, Islam is getting close to legendary status himself, as onOctober 29th, he defeated Patrick Allotey in front of 18,000 fans in his homeland to capture the WBO Inter-Continental title and retain his WBA Fedlatin Super Welterweight titles.
“Fighting in front of my home people means more to me than anything.  It shows them that I represent their culture and they like to see my fighting style.  It was a dream come true to fight in front of so many of my people.  They were cheering my name, and for that I am thankful for them.”
“We will return there to Kazakhstan and fight again.  I don’t want them to miss the fight onFebruary 17th that I have with Assis.  I am always thankful for my fans who always support me.  I want to thank Nelsons Promotions, Raynelo Management and my sponsor Zheizu Company.  I always want to David Feldman Promotions, King’s Promotions and Roy Jones for giving me the opportunity to fight on this card.
In an 8-round bout, Dagoberto Aguero (10-0, 8 KO’s) of San Cristobal, Domincan Republic takes on Olimjon Nazarov (14-4, 8 KO’s) of Tashken, Uzbekistan in a super bantamweight bout.
In 6-round bouts:
Frank De Alba (20-2-2, 9 KO’s) of Reading, PA battles German Meraz (55-41-1, 32 KO’s) of Agua Prieta, Mexico in a junior lightweight.
Samuel Teah (9-1-1, 3 KO’s) takes on Daniel Parales (10-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Monterrey, Mexico in a super lightweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Joey Tiberi, Jr. (13-2, 6 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware will fight Bryan Timmons (5-8, 5 KO’s) of St. Joseph, Missouri in lightweight bout.

Henry Stewart (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Toronto, Canada squares off Robert Mendoza (1-8, 1 KO) of Frankfurt, Indiana.

Dan Biddle (9-5, 5 KO’s) of Wilmington, Delaware will fight Lamont Singletary (7-1, 4 KO’s) of Dover, Delaware in a cruiserweight battle.
Eddie Ortiz (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas takes on pro debuting Jeff Chiffens of Wilmington, Delaware in a middleweight bout.
Media Week Schedule 
 
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE CHASE CENTER–12 PM NOON
11:30 AM–Media Check in

The Chase Center

815 Justison Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH OPEN WORKOUT–CROSSFIT RIVERFRONT AT 2 PM
1:00 Media only check-in

2:00 Open Workouts–Public let in

Crossfit Riverfront
512 Jutison Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH–OFFICIAL WEIGH IN–DELAWARE PARK CASINO–6PM

5:00 PM–Media Check in
6:00 PM–Fighters on the scales

Delaware Park Casino
777 Delaware Park Blvd.
Wilmington, Delaware 19720

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH–FIGHT NIGHT–THE CHASE CENTER

6:00 PM–Doors Open
7:00 PM–1st bout
9:00 PM–Pay Per View Broadcast begins

The Chase Center
815 Justison Street
Wilmington, Delaware  19801

Scheduled to be in attendance are former Heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Michael Spinks and Tyson Fury
SKILL VS WILL will be distributed live throughout North America via cable and satellite in High Definition by New York-based MultiVision Media, Inc. The broadcast will premiere on Friday, February 17th at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT and will be carried throughout the month on video-on-demand.  Please consult your local guide for channels and encores in your area.  The suggested retail price is $24.99.  The event will also be available worldwide on home computers, laptops, Smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, AppleTV, and Android devices on FITE-TV, Flipps, and other OTT (over-the-top) streaming services.
Tickets are on sale now ranging from $55 – $300 and can be purchased by calling (484) 935-3378 & www.firststatefights.com

Roy Jones, Jr. vs Bobby Gunn, promoted by David Feldman Promotions and the Casino at Delaware Park.

ENCORE PRESENTATION OF IVAN BARANCHYK-ABEL RAMOS SLUGFEST TO AIR TONIGHT AT 10 P.M. ET/PT ON SHOWTIME EXTREME®

 

 

Watch Complete Third Round Coverage Including Both Fighters Scoring Knock Downs: YouTube: http://s.sho.com/2kLRB54; Download: https://we.tl/s8TQRRD001

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

An encore presentation of Friday’s thrilling ShoBox: The New Generation, featuring a potential Fight of the Year slugfest between unbeaten super lightweight Ivan Baranchyk and a game Abel Ramos, will air tonight/Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

 

Baranchyk and Ramos both landed more than 50 percent of their power punches in the 10-round brawl, well above the super lightweight average of 36.6 percent.  They nearly doubled the divisional average in total punches landed and power punches landed in a bout that featured three total knockdowns.

 

CompuBox records indicate that Baranchyk (314) & Ramos (350) combined to land 664 total punches.  As a point of reference, the epic first encounter between Micky Ward (268) and Arturo Gatti (350) featured 618 combined total punches landed.  Of the 664 punches landed on Friday night, 482 were power punches.

 

The three-fight telecast will re-air in its entirety Monday.  In the opening bout, undefeated Spanish super featherweight prospect Jon “Johnfer” Fernadez knocked out formerly once-beaten Ernesto Garza with a punishing series of unanswered combinations in the third round.  In the co-feature, undefeated light heavyweight prospect Joseph “Mack” Williams won a close, majority decision over previously undefeated Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo.

 

The event was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions.  Fernandez vs. Garza was promoted in association with MaravillaBox Promotions and Jaafar Promotions.

 

ADRIAN GRANADOS REVEALS HIS MOTIVATION FOR FEBRUARY 18 BOUT IN AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION WITH MARK KRIEGEL

“I broke down and cried and screamed to coach, ‘I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to win this fight for him.’” – Adrian Granados

 

THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel: Adrian Granados

http://s.sho.com/2kXNzH2

Photo/Video Credit: SHOWTIME

 

Top-rated contender Adrian Granados opens up in an intimate interview with Sports Emmy® Award-Winning writer Mark Kriegel in the latest edition of the reoccurring SHOWTIME Sports® digital series, THE REVEAL with Mark Kriegel.

 

As Granados prepares to meet four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner Saturday, Feb. 18, live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) in Cincinnati, Ohio, he talks about his struggles, the loss of his long-time friend Ed Brown and what lies ahead for him on fight night.

 

A tough Mexican-American from Chicago, Granados enters this fight on a five-bout winning streak, including his impressive stoppage over then unbeaten top contenderAmir Imam in November 2015. Most recently, the 27-year-old dominated Ariel Vasquez over eight rounds in July. With a win over Broner, Granados can position himself for his first career world title shot.

 

Below are excerpts from the interview:

 

MARK KRIEGEL: “What does this fight represent to you?”

 

ADRIAN GRANADOS: “Cubs just won. This is my own World Series, you know. It took me this long to finally get a big fight, but I got it. This is going to be my coming out. I know a lot of people don’t know who I am. Those who do know me, they know I come to fight.”

 

KRIEGEL: “One of the guys who does know you is Adrien Broner. You were in his camp for Marcos Maidana. What stands out to [you] about him?”

 

GRANADOS: “He’s a great fighter. I mean, it’s no fluke that he is a four-division world champion.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Did he ever hurt you?”

 

GRANADOS: “Definitely, we are humans. He can crack. He just had that explosive power. He had 16-ounce gloves and it felt like he was hitting me with his bare fist. He just hits hard.”

 

KRIEGEL: “Did you ever hurt him?”

 

GRANADOS: “Definitely. I know I did. He may not admit it. Yeah, I know I had him bloodied a couple times. I know I had him backing up a couple of times. You just know as a fighter when you crack somebody.”

 

On the passing of top prospect and friend Ed Brown…

 

GRANADOS: “I believe it was a Sunday. I was in a barbershop…They were like, ‘I heard about your boy.’ And I’m … trying to keep it together. I just called George, our coach. He told me, ’Yeah man, Ed has died. Ed is dead.’ And right there I broke down and cried and screamed to coach, ‘I’m going to win this fight. I’m going to win this fight for him.’”

Neon Star Sports & Entertainment Launches New Promotional Company Knockout Night Boxing

LAS VEGAS (February 13, 2017) – Neon Star Sports & Entertainment (NSSE) Inc. has announced the formation of its promotional company, Knockout Night Boxing LLC. The company will be responsible for promoting and co-promoting “Knockout Night Boxing,” a series that airs on CBS Sports Network across North America. Additional broadcast partners will also be announced in the coming weeks.
“Knockout Night Boxing LLC is a fight-friendly promotion that provides a platform for athletes to showcase their skills while building their own brand,” said Knockout Night Boxing president/promoter John Andersen.
“Our ‘Knockout Night at the D’ series on CBS Sports Network last year was a huge hit, and so we are excited to expand across the United States and Mexico with our partner Pepe Gomez,” added Neon Star Sports & Entertainment CEO Mike Garrow. “Currently, the ‘Knockout Night Boxing’ series has 20 television dates scheduled for 2017. We are looking forward to delivering fight fans non-stop, action-packed excitement.”
Whit Haydon will serve as talent relations recruiter and Marvin Romero is the matchmaker.  The rotating television team consists of Hall-of-Famer announcers Jim “J.R.” Ross and Al Bernstein, as well as veterans Sean Wheelock and Joey Varner.  The primary ring announcer is Justin Roberts, who was the WWE ring announcer for 14 years.
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @Neonstarmedia

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Neon-Star-Media-378687919005532/

Joe Smith, Jr. Ring 8’s February Guest Speaker 

(Joe Smith, Jr. pictures courtesy of Star Boxing)
NEW YORK (February 13, 2017) – World-class light heavyweight boxer Joe “The Irish Bomber” Smith, Jr. will be Ring 8’s guest speaker Thursday night, February 23, at its monthly meeting, starting at 7 p.m. ET, at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant, located at 1132 Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, New York.
The 27-year-old Smith (23-1, 19 KOs) is a Union 66 laborer between fights.  The Long Island power-puncher from Mastic burst upon the International boxing scene last June, stopping former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara (28-4) in the opening round for the World Boxing Council (WBC) International light heavyweight title.
Joe Smith, Jr. (R) is shown finishing off Bernard Hopkins
Last December, Smith followed up with a sensational eighth-round knockout of living legend Bernard Hopkins (55-8-2), the seven-time, two-division world champion whose retirement fight was ruined by Smith.
“With knockout victories over Fonfara and Hopkins in his last two fights, Joe Smith might be the most exciting fighter since Arturo Gatti,” Ring 8 president Jack Hirschsaid.
“We look forward to him being a featured speaker at our monthly meeting and letting us know what he has planned next in his career.”
Smith was the recipient of Ring 8’s “Knockout of the Year Award” last December at the organization’s 30th annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony. Phil andJerry Capobianco, respectively, Smith’s manager and trainer, were also honored as Ring 8’s Manager and Trainer of the Year.
Smith is a light heavyweight contender on the verge of a major fight this year, possibly a world title shot.  He is promoted by New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) inductee Joe DeGuardia (Star Boxing).
ABOUT RING 8:  Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August.  All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership.  Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person..

THOUSANDS BRAVE WINTER WEATHER FOR LEWISTON MMA EVENT

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Lewiston, Maine (February 11, 2017) – A nor’easter 48 hours earlier, sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall at bell-time, and a blizzard looming on the horizon could not stop more than 2,500 devoted fight fans from getting their fill of mixed-martial-arts action at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday night.  The event marked fight promotion New England Fights’ (NEF) five-year anniversary at the venerable fight arena.

The show was headlined by the semi-finals of the NEF Professional MMA Lightweight Title tournament.  Jon Lemke (6-7) advanced to the finals with a first round technical knockout of Jesse Erickson (9-6).  Ryan Sanders (13-8) joined Lemke in the final round with a first-round knockout of John Ortolani (8-11).

Ras Hylton (1-0) was victorious in his professional debut over Mike Hansen (5-5), while former NEF Amateur MMA Welterweight Champion Ricky Dexter (1-0) also entered the pro ranks with a verbal submission win over Matt Denning (3-6) after a brutal body shot.

On the amateur portion of the fight card, Victor Irwin (3-0) became the new light-heavyweight champion with a submission of Ryan Glover (3-2).

NEF further announced that its next MMA event, “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE,” would originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

The full results of “NEF 27: RESURGENCE”:

 

PROFESSIONAL

Ryan Sanders def.  John Ortolani via KO, round 1

Jon Lemke def. Jesse Erickson via TKO, round 1

Ras Hylton def. Mike Hansen via verbal submission

Ricky Dexter def. Matt Denning via verbal submission

Josh Harvey def. Richie Collingham via D’arce choke, round 1

Elias Leland def. Nick Santos via arm triangle, round 1

 

AMATEUR

Victor Irwin def. Ryan Glover via rear-naked choke, round 1

Walt Shea def. Alan Bustamante via unanimous decision

Justin Witham def. Ryan Burgess via anaconda choke, round 2

Alex Clark def. Henry Clark via unanimous decision

John Tefft def. Sean Worcester via TKO, round 2

Sarah Ziehm def. Nicole Burgess via rear-naked choke, round 3

Fred Lear def. Michael Crespo via TKO, round 2

Devin Corson def. Winston Cortez via unanimous decision

Zeal McGrew def. Pete Grinnell via TKO, round 1

Frank Johanson def. Jacob Deppmeyer via triangle choke, round 3

Ross Dannar def. Phil Chason via unanimous decision

Angela Young def. Christine Brothwell via unanimous decision

 

New England Fights returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 28: INVINCIBLE,” on Saturday, April 29, 2017.  Tickets are on sale now at the Colisee box office 207-783-2009 x 525 and online at www.TheColisee.com.

For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA/, follow the promotion on Twitter and Instagram @nefights, and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

71st annual  Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Central N.E.  novice & open finals results

LOWELL, Mass. (February 11, 2017) – Central New England (Greater Lowell) division champions in the open and novice divisions were crowned last night in the final round of the 71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship at historic Lowell Memorial Auditorium.  Fans braved the frigid cold weather to support the amateur boxers.
Winners will advance to the semifinals of the New England Tournament of Champions, also held at Lowell Auditorium, starting next Thursday night with novice division.  See the remaining 2017 schedule of events below as well as last night’s complete results.
Babson Park (MA) light welterweight Jesus Ablan (Nonantum Boxing) and Tyngsboro (MA) light welterweight Nathan Balakin (Lowell West End), respectively, were named Outstanding Boxer of the open and novice divisions.
A New England Championship ticket (GA) package is available this week only, $40.00 for all four remaining events, including open and novice semifinals and finals of the New England Tournament of Champions.  To purchase call the Lowell Memorial Auditorium box office at 1.866.722.8881 or order online at www.LowellMemorialAuditorium.com. Individual event tickets are also available to purchase, starting at $16.00, only $7.00 for students.
Proceeds from the Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship go towards sending the New England Golden Gloves champions to the National Golden Gloves Championship (2017 in Lafayette, Louisiana), in addition to supporting local athletes and area gyms, the Boys & Girls Club, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, cancer funds, scholarships and many other great charitable causes.
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
(winners listed first)
Open Division
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS (141 LBS.)
Jesus Alban (Babson Park / Nonantum Boxing)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Jeremiah Perez (Lowell, MA / Lowell West End)
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)
Xavier Vega (Methuen, MA / Canal Street Gym)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Mike Fontanez (Nashua, NH / Nashua PAL)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)
Yarmarco Guzman (Methuen, MA / Canal Street Gym)
WPTS3 (3-2)
Brian Lawrence (Dorchester, MA / Peter Welch’s Gym)
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Zack Culmas (Gloucester, MA / Private Jewels)
WPTS3 (3-2)
Alex Falcon (Lynn, MA / Private Jewels)
Novice Division
FLYWEIGHTS (114 lbs.)
Shin Merinda (Haverhill, MA / Haverhill Downtown Boxing)
WPTS3 (4-1)
Christian Moura (Hollis, NH / Nashua PAL)
FEMALE BANTAMWEIGHTS (119 lbs.)
Danielle Millian (Waltham, MA / Sorabella Training Center)
WPTS 3 (4-1)
Karen Dahl (Allston, MA / Boston Boxing)
BANTAMWEIGHTS (123 lbs.)
Joseph Valdes (West Roxbury, MA / Nashua PAL)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Joel Morales (Everett, MA / Somerville Boxing Club)
FEMALE FEATHERWEIGHTS (125 lbs.)
Kendra Prather (Hanscom AFB, MA / Union Street Boxing)
WPTS3 (3-2)
Noelle Boran (East Walpole, MA / Boston Boxing)
FEMALE LIGHTWEIGHTS (132 lbs.)
Jessica Lampron (Dorchester, MA / Boston Boxing)
WPTS3 (4-1)
Willow Crawford (Manchester, NH / Lowell West End)
LIGHT WELTERWEIGHTS – (141 lbs.)
Nathan Balakin (Tyngsboro, MA / Lowell West End
WPTS3 (4-1)
Ricardo Reid (Boston, MA / Everybody Fights)
WELTERWEIGHTS (152 lbs.)
Peter Maher (Arlington, MA / Somerville Boxing)
WPTS 3 (5-0)
Michael Rovera (Nashua, NH – The Ring)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS (165 lbs.)
Furcy Ferreras (Peabody, MA / Private Jewels)
WPTS3 5-0)
Adrien Gedney (Gloucester, MA / Gloucester Boxing Club)
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS (178 lbs.)
Rey Polanco (Roxbury, MA / South Boston Boxing)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Andrew Perez (Methuen, MA / Lawtown Boxing)
HEAVYWEIGHTS (201+ lbs.)
Viktor Lobov (Malden, MA / Nonantum Boxing)
WPTS3 (5-0)
Luis Rivera (Boston, MA – Somerville Boxing Club)
 
71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship Schedule
(Lowell Memorial Auditorium – 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7:30 p.m. first bout)
New England Tournament of Champions
Novice Class Semifinals – Thursday, Feb. 16
Novice Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Feb. 23
Open Class Semifinals – Wednesday, Mar. 1
Open Class Championship Finals – Thursday, Mar. 2
Information:
New England Golden Gloves Executive Director: Bobby Russo
Director of Contestants: Art Ramalho
Chief of Officials:  Laurie Purcell
Ring Announcer:  John Vena
Venue:  Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 Merrimack St., Lowell, MA
Twitter:  @LowellGloves

ROBERT EASTER DEFENDS LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST LUIS CRUZ IN HIS HOMETOWN OF TOLEDO IN THE MAIN EVENT OF PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS: THE NEXT ROUND ON BOUNCE TV

 
Zhanat Zhakiyanov Wins Bantamweight World Championship Against Rau’Shee Warren in Co-Main Event
 
Terrell Gausha Earns Unanimous Decision Victory Over Puerto Rico’s Luis Hernandez
 
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Photo Credit: Leo Wilson Jr./Premier Boxing Champions
TOLEDO, OH (February 10) – Nearly 10,000 fans turned out for hometown hero Robert Easter (19-0, 14 KOs) as he impressively defended his lightweight world title against Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz (22-5-1, 16 KOs) at the Huntington Center in Toledo, OH in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions: The Next Round on Bounce TV. The 2012 Olympic alternate used his reach and power throughout the fight, knocking Cruz down three times en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Cruz’s best round came in the fifth as he turned up the action, giving Easter a pause more than once and pushed the champion toward the ropes. After that round, it was all Easter who threw flurries of punches, not always depending on his range, doing his best to pin Cruz back with powerful hooks and body shots. Easter wasn’t fazed by seeing the 10th round for the third time in his career as a big right hand sent Cruz to the canvas for the first knockdown of the fight. Cruz impressively rose to his feet, but Easter didn’t relent.
He continued his conquest and with 10 seconds to go in the 11th round, Cruz was saved by the bell after being knocked down again. Fighting to the finish, Easter gave the raucous crowd what they came for as he threw a big right hand that nearly ended the fight. Cruz did notably did not quit, but was no match for Easter as the judges scored the bout 119-106, 118-107, 117-108.
In the co-main event, three-time U.S. Olympian Rau’shee Warren (14-2, 4 KOs) came out strong from the opening bell as he utilized his hand speed and power by knocking Zhanat Zhakiyanov (27-1, 18 KOs) of Kazakhstan not once, but twice. Warren, who was defending his bantamweight title for the first time, could not finish the fight in the first round despite throwing a flurry of unanswered punches following the two knockdowns. The tables started to turn in favor of Zhakiyanov in the third round as he threw several consecutive uppercuts, pressuring Warren against the ropes. He threw two right hooks that knocked Warren to the canvas, but referee Gary Rosato ruled it a slip.
Trained and promoted by former unified world champion Ricky Hatton, Zhakiyanov applied pressure throughout the middle rounds, wearing Warren down. But the Cincinnati-native seemed to have gotten a second wind to kick-off the eighth round as he turned up the heat with one minute to go. Zhakiyanov continued to put pressure on Warren and use his strength. The fight was action packed from start to finish, but it was the Kazakh who earned the split decision victory with scores of 116-110, 115-111 for Zhakiyanov and 115-111 Warren.
The telecast kicked off with a middleweight bout between Cleveland-native Terrell Gausha(20-0, 9 KOs)and Puerto Rico’s Luis Hernandez (15-4, 8 KOs). Gausha established his jab midway through the first round with three straight right hands to the face of Hernandez. However, it was Hernandez who surprised Gausha with a huge overhand right that floored the 2012 Olympian. Gausha easily bounced back from the knock down and was able to get himself out of trouble and continued to show his power throughout.
Referee Jim Howe deducted a point from Hernandez after two low blows in the seventh round. Hernandez remained determined despite taking a lot of big shots, especially in the ninth round when Gausha was a few shots away from ending the fight. In the end, Gausha earned a unanimous decision with scores of 98-90 twice and 97-91.
FIGHTER & PROMOTER QUOTES:
Robert Easter Jr:
“It was very important for me to remain focused tonight but also have fun. My people came out in full force so I wanted to give them a show, a night to remember. I feel like I did that, even though I wish I could’ve given them the knockout.
“I admit, I was very surprised that Luis Cruz could take my punches like that and finish the fight. When I had him down and hurt (in round 10), I thought he was done. I give him credit. He came a long way and showed a lot of heart.
“I said before the fight and I’m going to keep saying it – I’m here to collect all them belts. I’m not gonna pretend to be that guy who doesn’t call out other fights. I’m calling out Mikey Garcia, Jorge Linares and Terry Flanagan. I want them to see what we were able to do here tonight, the crowd I pulled in. I’m a superstar on the rise and now it’s time for me to collect my prizes and bring these fights and all of the belts home to Toledo.
“Even in seeing my brother (Rau’Shee Warren) lose a fight we all thought he won, I couldn’t let that distract what I had to do in the ring. I hated that Rau’Shee had to go through that again – losing in the Olympics three times, not getting his win in the first fight with Juan Carlos Payano, then not getting his belt for months after winning it, and now losing it like that. He’s had it rough, but we’re a team and we have to pick each other up. That became my mission to rise for the sake of the team.
“Realistically I’d like to come back maybe May or June. It’s always hard work but I’m not cut or marked up. I want to stay active and get all the champions and best challengers out there. TBT – The Bunny Team is getting ready to take over.”
Luis Cruz:
“He’s a very strong fighter. I wanted to do more but he took away my energy late in the fight. The first knockdown took a lot of out me. I felt dizzy but it was important for me to finish the fight on my feet. I never stopped trying to win, but he a great champion and the best I’ve ever faced.
“I’m going to return home (in Puerto Rico) and enjoy time with my family. I need to rest and relax. After that, I’ll think about what’s next for my career.”
Zhanat Zhakiyanov:
“I knew at the end of the fight that I deserved to win, but because of where we were, we weren’t sure if the judges would give it to us. So that surprised us, but not that I won the fight. I was hurt early, but I outworked him in almost every round after that and was the stronger fighter in the end.
“The knockdowns shocked me, but (trainer and promoter, former two-division world champion) Ricky Hatton kept me level-headed, telling me the adjustments I had to make. Once I was able to get inside and force the action, I saw (Warren’s) energy level drop.
“We are grateful that he gave us the opportunity to fight for the world title. It’s an amazing feeling to win that belt. He feels like he won the fight and wants the rematch. We can definitely talk about doing that. I’ve fought everywhere in the world and don’t back down from any challenge.”
Ricky Hatton: 
“We were surprised when Zhanat went down like that in the beginning of the fight. I just wanted to remind him what he does better and what Rau’Shee is good at. He is never going to outbox him; he had to get in his chest, he had to mug him and make it a brawl. Zhanat did that very well and that’s how he won the fight.
“If we lost the fight, we would have been upset, but we’d know it wouldn’t have been a bad decision. I know that Warren is gutted, he feels like he won the fight and let’s be honest – it was the type of fight where no matter who won, the loser would have felt like he deserved to have his hand raised.
“Their styles make for a great fight. Why not do it again? Not just because it was close but because it was such a great action fight and it always will be.”
Rau’Shee Warren:
“Man, I won that fight. I knocked him down, I was landing the cleaner punches and making him miss. What it is, the judges are favoring aggressive fighters, even when they ain’t even landing.
“I went through the same thing with (Juan Carlos) Payano, losing the first fight that I should’ve won and then getting the decision in the rematch. So now I have to prove to these judges the second time what I should’ve got tonight. Of course I want that rematch. I want it next, I want my world titles back.
“Obviously you can always do more. We’re gonna go back, look at what we could’ve done differently and make sure the judges don’t take it from me no more.”
Terrell Gausha:
“The knockdown was legitimate, but that was (Hernandez’) only good moment in the fight. He caught me clean, but it happened to me before (versus William Waters earlier in his career). Just like I did back then, I immediately adjusted and controlled the rest of the fight.
“It felt good to get so much from the fans in Toledo and all my fans that came from Cleveland (Gausha’s hometown). It was a great night out here and I’d love to do it again whenever they’re ready to bring us back here or even in my hometown.
“I’m ready to return whenever my team says the next opportunity is there for me. Hopefully it’s as soon as possible. This is going to be a big year for me.”
Luis Hernandez:
“I had him hurt but I didn’t finish him. I didn’t throw enough punches to slow him down after I knocked him down. He deserved to win; I could have done better and will do better in the future. I hope PBC brings me back soon as I want to show I belong with the best.”
Adrien Broner:
“It was a great turnout tonight. This was the first big promotion for About Billions; it definitely won’t be the last. We got my fight next week in Cincinnati and we gonna keep coming back strong.”
Ravone Littlejohn, CEO of About Bilions Promotions:
“It was a bittersweet night for us, with Robert Easter looking like a superstar but then with Rau’Shee Warren not getting the victory. We wanted the win in both fights for the fans, but the judges saw what they saw in Rau’Shee’s fight.
“The crowd exceeded our expectations. We knew it would be a big turnout but when they opened up the entire venue and we saw nearly all the seats filled, it was a special feeling. Now we get to roll this over to Adrien’s fight next week and look forward to keep bringing big events to Ohio.”
 
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @RobertEaster_Jr, @RauSheeWarren, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina. Easter vs. Cruz was promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with TGB Promotions.
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