All posts by FNU47

HEAVYWEIGHT TREY LIPPE MORRISON SUFFERS CUT WHILE SPARRING, OFF FEB. 10 SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

 

ShoBox Telecast Continues As Tripleheader Beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 1, 2017) — Undefeated heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison suffered a cut over his left eye while sparring on Tuesday at Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles and is unavailable to fight on next Friday’s ShoBox: The New Generation telecast.

 

“I’m very disappointed for Trey because this is the best camp that we’ve had together,” said trainer Freddie Roach, who was in his sixth camp with the undefeated heavyweight.  “Trey should be healed and back in the gym in three or four weeks to come back stronger than ever.”

 

Lippe Morrison (13-0, 13 KOs) was set to make his second ShoBox start in an eight-round heavyweight bout against Daniel Martz on Feb. 10 at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla., near his hometown of Vinita.  (See attached for photo of Lippe Morrison’s cut)

 

“This is a small setback for Trey,” said Tony Holden of Tony Holden Productions.  “You can’t prevent these injuries, they are just part of the sport.  I can’t wait to get him back in the gym with Freddie to continue his path toward becoming a world title contender.”

 

The Feb. 10 ShoBox will continue as a tripleheader live on SHOWTIME beginning at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT.  In the 10-round main event, undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs) will face aggressive-minded once-beaten Abel Ramos (17-1-2, 12 KOs).

 

In the eight-round co-feature, former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joe “Mack” Williams(10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., clash in matchup of undefeated light heavyweights.  In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, the eight-round super featherweight scrap.

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.

 

# # #

Sammy Vasquez Jr. Pre-Fight Quotes & Training Camp Photos

(Photo Credit: Caitlin McKelvey/Premier Boxing Champions)
 
Welterweight Contender Takes on Former World Champion
 Luis Collazo in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on 
FS1 & FOX Deportes Special Edition Thursday, February 2 
From Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi
 
Click HERE for Photos from Caitlin McKelvey/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
TUNICA, MS (February 1, 2017) – Exciting welterweight contender Sammy Vasquez Jr.shared his final thoughts ahead of his main event showdown against former world championLuis Collazo Thursday night on a special three-hour edition of Premier Boxing Championson FS1 and FOX Deportes from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features fast-rising contender Yordenis Ugas against Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava in a 10-round matchup of hard-hitting welterweights plus Houston’s Ryan Karl taking on Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez in a 10-round battle of unbeaten super lightweights.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $150, $75 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster atwww.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Here is what Vasquez Jr. had to say about training, his matchup against Collazo and more:
On his upcoming opponent, Luis Collazo:
“This is a very challenging fight but one I believe I can win.  Now that Collazo is one hundred percent healthy, I know he’s going to be at his best.  We both are trying to get back on top so the fans can expect a great fight.”
On his recent training camp:
 “It’s been a great training camp.  We got a lot of good southpaw sparring and I feel sharp going into this fight.  All the preparation has been done and now it’s time to fight.  I’ll be at my best come fight night.”
On what he learned from his first defeat:
“It was a tough loss in my last fight with the late sub Felix Diaz.   Although we fought another southpaw, our game plan was for Collazo, who is a totally different style.  In this game, I must be prepared for any style that comes my way.  I know that now and I’ll be fully prepared for anything that Collazo brings.”

On what a win will do for his career:
“A win against Collazo will get me right back in the mix of things in the welterweight division.  With only one loss on my record, I feel I still have a lot to give to this sport.  A victory will open up a path to fight for a world title.”
#          #          #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

World ranked lightweight contender Xolisani Ndongeni wins South African Fighter of the Year

  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA / Johannesburg, South Africa (February , 2017)–This past Friday night in Durban, South Africa, WBA number-3 ranked, WBC number-13 ranked, and WBO number-15 ranked lightweight contender Xolisani Ndongeni (22-0, 11 Ko’s) was named South African Fighter of the Year.
The ceremony took place in front of former South African world champions, and dignitaries  such as  Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula.
The 26 year-old Ndongeni won two big fights in 2016.  His year started out on April 22ndwith a 1st round stoppage over Emilio Norfat.  He followed that up with a 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Garcia Mendez on November 4th in Corona, California.
The bout was Ndongeni’s American debut.
“I’m very proud to have won,” said Ndongeni. “I have a lot of faith in my team of Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves, Banner Promotions and [trainer] Colin Nathan. The sky is the limit. I’m looking forward to fighting in the US very soon and showing them all what I’m capable of.”
“I was delighted for ‘Nomeva’ [Ndongeni], who made his US debut last year and won in style against a difficult opponent,” said Golden Gloves CEO, Rodney Berman. “I have high hopes from him and this endorsement merely underlines his international potential. He’s highly rated and will surely get his big chance before long.”
Said Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo, “I want to congratulate Xolisani for winning this great award.  He is a terrific fighter, and was very impressive in his American debut.  2017 will be a big year for him and we look to get him in some big fights.”

Gleason’s Gym: Tenth Boxing Show in London England

 
 
 
 
Join the Gleason’s Team and box in London on March 31, 2017.
As determined by sports scientists, pound for pound boxing is the toughest sport in the world. From the discipline, endurance and heart that goes into gloving up, boxing has garnered spectator respect and interest since the Ancient Greeks believed it to be a sport enjoyed by the Gods on Olympus. From Olympian bouts to professional prize fights, boxing is a spectator sport appreciated by millions globally.
This is White Collar/Master Boxing with Open, Novice and Master boxers. Three rounds of two-minutes each. Amateur boxing rules apply.
Friday March 31, 2017
Arena: Real City Steel
The Steel Yard, London England, EC4R 3UE
You will be taking a vacation to London. You must make your own arrangements including airfare, hotel and food.
If you are interested in competing contact me at bruce@gleasonsgym.net.
 

 

Boxing in London
London 2009
London Team

Caribe Promotions loses rights to Shumenov-Dorticos WBA cruiserweight title fight; TGB Promotions awarded rights

LAS VEGAS (January 31, 2017) – The World Boxing Association (WBA) has notified WBA cruiserweight world champion Beibut Shumenov and WBA Interim cruiserweight title-holder Yunier Dorticos, as well as their representatives, that Caribe Promotions has lost its rights to promote the WBA mandated Shumenov vs. Dorticos title fight.
Dorticos’ promoter, Caribe Promotions, originally won the Shumenov vs. Dorticos title fight rights last November with a winning purse bid of $350,001, which required a fight date within 90 days.  Although rumored to be held in mid-February in either Miami or Las Vegas, Caribe’s ability and willingness to actually promote the fight came into question in January, 2017.  The WBA demanded that Caribe confirm its intentions and even granted Caribe additional time to respond, but Caribe failed to file confirmation of a fight date with the WBA. Because Caribe was unable to confirm its intentions, the WBA had little choice but to award rights to the second-highest purse bidder, Tom Brown’s TGB Promotions.
“I last fought May 21st and I have been in the gym since June because I was supposed to fight Lebedev in September,” said a terribly frustrated Shumenov. “But he backed out of the fight with me once again and I have been ready to fight since then.   I signed a bout agreement to fight Dorticos on February 11thin Miami, but Dorticos and his promoter disappeared after I signed. They’re full of it; all they do is talk.  I can’t wait to knock him out.  I am waiting on my manager to call me right now to tell me the new fight date with TGB.”
Caribe Promotions has been forced to also forfeit its $35,000 purse bid deposit with 10-percent off the top going to the WBA and remainder ($31,500) distributed to Shumenov and Dorticos, respectively, on a 75-25 percent basis due to its failure to promote the fight.
Shumenov (17-2, 11 KOs), fighting out of Las Vegas by way of Kazakhstan, fought last May 21, when he stopped 15-1-1 Junior Wright in the 10th round of their Las Vegas fight for the vacant WBA World cruiserweight title.  The WBA had ruled that the Shumenov-Wright winner would be the mandatory challenger for its “Super” champion, Lebedev, within 90 days, however, it later allowed unified cruiserweight titlist Lebedev (against Shumenov’s strong objections) to fight his International Boxing Federation (IBF) mandatory defense against challenger Murat Gassiev, effectively mandating an eliminator between Shumenov and Dorticos with that winner to fight the winner of Lebedev-Gassiev.  Only days prior to the Lebedev-Gassiev title fight, Lebedev was inexplicably allowed to fight Gassiev without defending his WBA title, as only his IBF belt was on the line.  Gassiev (24-0) defeated Lebedev (29-3) by way of a 12-round split decision in Moscow to become the IBF cruiserweight world champion and Lebedev remains the WBA Super cruiserweight world champion, at least for now.  The WBA is expected to rule on Shumenov’s objections to Lebedev’s fight against Gassiev, Lebedev’s status and whether Lebedev will remain champion having lost his last fight.
Dorticos has made false claims in the media that Shumenov, who had been waiting for the WBA to rule on his petitions to force Lebedev to fight him without further delay, had been avoiding him.  It is ironic now that Dorticos’ own promoter first sought to delay and has now defaulted on the long-awaited confrontation by failing to promote the Shumenov-Dorticos title fight within the WBA deadline.
A former WBA Super light heavyweight world champion, the 33-year-old Shumenov is the first two-division world champion from a Soviet-bloc country.
Fans may friend Beibut Shumenov on his Facebook Fan Page atwww.facebook.com/BeibutShumenov.

Sammy Vasquez Jr. vs. Luis Collazo Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

 
Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Special Edition Thursday, February 2 From Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi
 
Click HERE for Photos from Premier Boxing Champions
 
TUNICA, MS (January 31, 2017) – Exciting contender Sammy Vasquez Jr. and former world champion Luis Collazo went face-to-face Tuesday ahead of their welterweight showdown that headlines a special three-hour edition of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Thursday, February 2 from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Mississippi.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features a pair of exciting matchups. Fast-rising contender Yordenis Ugas will meet Georgia’s Levan Ghvamichava in a 10-round matchup of hard-hitting welterweights while Houston’s Ryan Karl takes on Chicago’s Eddie Ramirez in a 10-round battle of unbeaten super lightweights.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $150, $75 and $35 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster atwww.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
Here is what the fighters had to say Tuesday:
SAMMY VASQUEZ JR.
“Luis Collazo is a really tough opponent. He’s always game. It doesn’t matter who he fights. I always enjoyed watching him growing up because he’s quick, strong and savvy.
“This is a fight I’ve been looking forward to. Collazo has fought everyone and he always gives a great fight. I couldn’t have thought of anybody better to have a great fight on television against. Everyone who knows the two of us, knows we’re going to come to fight.
“He’s never really been knocked out, just the mishap in the Thurman fight. Collazo hurt Thurman, and that’s a guy in his prime. Collazo isn’t in his prime, but age is just a number in this sport.
“We’re prepared. We know he’s a southpaw just like my last opponent. We were originally supposed to face him before Felix Diaz stepped in. The game plan is for me to dictate how this fight goes. I have to set the pace and control it.
“As long as I can control the fight, it’s smooth-sailing for me. I know he’s got a hard head and he’s going to come forward, so I think it’s going to be an exciting fight.”
LUIS COLLAZO
“Sammy is a tough fighter. He’s been moving up in the ranks and faced some decent opposition. We’re both lefties and I think it’s going to be an explosive fight.
“This is another tough fight for me. I’ve been in there with the top guys and everyone knows I’m going to give it my all. I’m grateful to be back in this position. There are great fight fans here in Mississippi and I’m going to give them something to cheer about.
“I’m blessed to be able to do what I love to do and I do it with passion and drive. I hope everyone enjoys what happens on Thursday night, because I know I will.
“I’ve been in this game for 17 years as a pro. I’ve seen every type of fighter. We’ll find outThursday night how much I have left. Sometimes fighters can get counted out, but people don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes. My preparation for this fight was great and we’ll find out Thursday if it translates to the ring.”
YORDENIS UGAS
“I’m looking forward to this fight. I hope to give a great performance and continue on my way toward a world title.
“I’ve had a perfect training camp and I’m prepared to get a victory. This is my time to make another statement to all of the top fighters in the division. I’m ready for any challenge.”
LEVAN GHVAMICHAVA
“I’ve worked very hard in training camp to prepare for this fight. I’m excited to be here and have this opportunity to give the fans a great show.
“I’m going to give it my all in the ring and make sure I walk out of there with the victory. I know that I have a tough opponent, but I’m confident in my training and my skills.”
#          #          #
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and foxdeportes.com follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FS1 and FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

JOSH KOSCHECK RETURNS TO THE CAGE AGAINST MAURICIO ALONSO AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE ON FEB. 18

 

 

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT FEATURING ANATOLY TOKOV AGAINST FRANCISCO FRANCE ADDED TO THE PRELIMINARY CARD

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (January 31, 2017) – A welterweight bout pitting Josh Koscheck (17-10) against Mauricio Alonso(12-7, 1 NC) has been added to the Spike-televised main card of Bellator 172: Fedor vs. Mitrione at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on February 18, 2017.

 

In addition, recently signed Russian star Anatoly Tokov (24-2) is set to square off against Francisco France (13-4-1) in a middleweight clash that will be featured on the Bellator.com-streamed undercard, while a previously announced main card bout between Adam Piccolotti and Brent Primus has been cancelled after Piccolotti has been forced to withdraw due to an undisclosed injury.

 

Bellator 172: Fedor vs. Mitrione 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 the event are on sale now at the SAP Center Box Office as well as Ticketmaster.com.

 

Koscheck will be making his highly anticipated Bellator MMA debut after signing with the Viacom-owned promotion in 2015. Prior to the signing, “Kos” competed under the UFC banner for nearly a decade, compiling 15 wins and nine finishes. Now, the 39-year-old Dethrone Base Camp product hopes to soar to the top of Bellator MMA’s stacked welterweight class and add to his impressive resume of 17 career victories. Never one to mince words, Koscheck has made it clear that he hopes to once again meet Paul Daley inside the cage, but first, the Fresno, Calif. native must get through Alonso on Feb. 18 when he returns to action on Spike.

 

Hailing from Parana, Brazil, Alonso will be making his second appearance under the direction of Bellator MMA and first in the welterweight division since 2014. The 36-year-old enters the bout riding a recent string of success, earning victories in each of his last two contests and seven of his last 10 dating back to 2010. Of his 12 career wins, Alonso has finished his opponent five times, including four knockouts. Alonso will look to build off of an undefeated 2016 campaign when he competes on Feb 18.

 

Under the tutelage of the legendary Fedor Emilianenko, Tokov has strung together an impressive resume of his own, where from 2012 to 2016, the prospect was riding a streak of 17 consecutive wins. The 26-year-old Russian is known to end fights early and often, finishing his opponent in 19 of his 24 career wins, including nine first round finishes. If Tokov is going to continue to blossom on the Bellator roster, he will have to defeat his opponent on Feb. 18 first.

 

Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, 18-fight veteran France enters the bout having won six of his last eight contests, including one draw and five finishes. The 33-year-old submission specialist will be making his third appearance under the Bellator MMA banner and first in nearly a year at Bellator 172. “Kiko” brings with him one of the most dynamic ground games in the division, finishing 12 of his 13 victims via submission; displaying a wide array of devastating techniques, including rear-naked and arm-triangle chokes, arm bars, and kimuras.

 

Updated Bellator 172: Fedor vs. Mitrione Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Lightweight Co-Main Event: Josh Thomson (22-8, 1 NC) vs. Patricky “Pitbull” (16-8)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Cheick Kongo (25-10-2) vs. Oli Thompson (17-9)

Welterweight Feature Bout: Josh Koscheck (17-10) vs. Mauricio Alonso (12-7, 1 NC)

 

Preliminary Bouts:

Middleweight Preliminary Fight: Anatoly Tokov (24-2) vs. Francisco France (13-4-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: James Terry (18-9) vs. David Douglas (9-6)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nikko Jackson (1-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (0-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Juan Cardenas (1-0) vs. Luis Vargas (0-1)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Danasabe Mohammed (5-1) vs. Carlos Rocha (9-4)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Anthony Do (4-1) vs. Bobby Escalante (4-5)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Matt Ramirez (1-2) vs. Jeremy Murphy (3-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: J.J. Okanovich (3-1) vs. Paradise Vaovasa (5-1)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Justin Tenedora (Debut) vs. Roque Reyes (0-3)

Sampson Lewkowicz Issues Challenge to World’s Super Top Super Middleweights on Behalf of Boxing Prodigy David Benavidez: Fight My Fighter!

Sampson Lewkowicz Issues Challenge to World’s Super Top Super Middleweights on Behalf of Boxing Prodigy David Benavidez: Fight My Fighter!
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz is issuing a challenge to the world’s top super middleweights: Help his fighter, David “El Bandera Roja/Red Flag” Benavidez, become the youngest 168-lb champion in boxing history by fighting him.
“He is on a course to smash the old record,” said Lewkowicz of Benavidez, but I need a top-10 contender or a world champion to fight him. He’ll take on anyone in the world.”
Phoenix, Arizona’s Benavidez (17-0, 16 KOs), who did his usual steamroll over opponents last Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (this time over Uzbekistan’s Shareli Mamajonov in less than two brutal rounds), is only 20 years old. The youngest super middleweight champion in history was Darin Van Horn, who was 22 years, 8 months and 11 days old when he beat Lindell Holmes by KO 11 for the IBF Super Middleweight Championship on May 18, 1991.
“Promoters don’t want their fighters to fight him,” continued Lewkowicz. “He can’t move up the ratings or make boxing history if promoters are too worried about their investments to let their fighters face him. I need the promoters behind the top 10 contenders in the division to step up and see if their fighters can stop his rise. They can’t. But I need them to try.”
Benavidez is currently rated WBC #14, WBA #7, IBF #13.

“If you are reading this and you promote any super middleweight fighter who has a top-10 ranking or is world champion, call me. We will fight. We hear from opponents looking to get paid for getting knocked out, but never anyone with a top-10 rating. This is your challenge. Call me and let’s get it on. Help my fighter become part of boxing history.”

UNDEFEATED IVAN “THE BEAST” BARANCHYK MEETS DANGEROUS ABEL RAMOS IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER  FRIDAY, FEB. 10, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®


Undefeated Heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison Seeks 14th Consecutive KO When He Faces Daniel Martz In ShoBox Co-Feature

 

Live on SHOWTIME at 10:05 p.m. ET/PT

From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma

 

Tickets on Sale Now

 

NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (13-0, 10 KOs) will face aggressive-minded once-beaten Abel Ramos (17-1-2, 12 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation® quadrupleheader on Friday, Feb. 10 live on SHOWTIME® (10:05 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

In the co-feature, rising local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, hard-hitting heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison(13-0, 13 KOs), makes his second start on ShoBox when he faces the dangerous Daniel Martz (15-4-1, 12 KOs), of Clarksburg, West Virginia, in an eight-round match.

 

Undefeated former Dominican Republic Olympian Lenin Castillo (15-0-1, 10 KOs) and former national Golden Gloves champion Joe “Mack” Williams (10-0, 7 KOs), of Far Rockaway, N.Y., clash in a confrontation of undefeated light heavyweights in an eight-round featured bout.

 

In the opening bout of the telecast, Spain’s up-and-coming unbeaten Jon “Johnfer” Fernandez (10-0, 8 KOs) takes on southpaw Ernesto Garza (7-1, 4 KOs), of Fort Hood, Texas, the eight-round super featherweight scrap.

 

“The ShoBox main event on Feb. 10 between Ivan Baranchyk and Abel Ramos guarantees fireworks,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a tremendous quadrupleheader and I am happy to be back at Buffalo Run Casino, where heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison will look to delight hometown fans with another spectacular knockout.  The light heavyweight battle between Joseph Williams and former Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo features two undefeated prospects, and Jon Fernandez, co-promoted by Sergio Martinez, will collide with Ernesto Garza in a can’t-miss clash at junior lightweight.”

 

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ivan against a very good opponent,” said Tony Holden.  “Give Daniel Martz a lot of credit for taking the fight against Trey — we had serious difficulties finding an opponent willing to face him.  Both Ivan and Trey should be in position to advance their careers with a victory.”

 

Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.

 

IVAN BARANCHYK VS. ABEL RAMOS – 10 Rounds Super Lightweights

The offensive-minded Baranchyk packs outstanding power in both hands. Until winning a 10-round decision over Zhimin Wang last Sept. 23 on ShoBox, he’d won nine consecutive fights by knockout.  In his last outing, Baranchyk scored a 10-round decision over Wilberth Lopez on Dec. 10.

 

“I am looking forward to continuing my pursuit of a world title,” said the 5-foot-10-inch Baranchyk, who will make the first defense of his USBA junior welterweight title.  “Ramos is a very tough fighter and a ShoBox alum himself, so I will enjoy knocking him out.

 

“I think I’ve proved my durability by going 10 rounds in my last two fights.  My team wants me to box more and let the knockouts come, so that is something we work on all the time.’’

 

The former European amateur standout, who was born in Minsk, Byelorussia and lives in Brooklyn, is making his fourth appearance on the prospect developmental series.  The 24-year-old’s two other ShoBox starts, both first-round knockouts versus undefeated foes, totaled a combined 2:49.  All 10 of Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first.

 

The skilled Ramos is a five-year pro who’s won three in a row, all by knockout in 2016, since his only loss, a ninth-round TKO to highly regarded undefeated Regis Prograis (15-0) in 2015 on ShoBox.

 

A prospect at 140 pounds and a legit test for Baranchyk, the 5-foot-9-inch Ramos was a stellar amateur.  The 25-year-old was the bronze medalist at both the 2010 U.S. National PAL Championships and 2010 U.S. National Championships (at 141 pounds) before turning pro in September 2011.

 

“I’m very excited for this fight and I am preparing for a war,” said Ramos, who possesses an aggressive style, good skills and movement.  “Baranchyk likes to fight moving forward as do I, so it is going to be an action-packed main event at Buffalo Run.”

 

Ramos, who grew up in Gettysburg, Pa. and resides in Casa Grande, Ariz., is coming off a seventh-round TKO over Juan Jesus last Aug. 26.  In his ShoBox debut in 2014, Ramos and fellow unbeaten Maurice Hooker (12-0-1 going in) slugged it out for eight rounds, battling to a majority draw in one of the most exciting fights on the series that year.

 

TREY LIPPE MORRISON VS. DANIEL MARTZ  – Eight Rounds, Heavyweights

The power-punching Morrison has recorded nine first-round knockouts, three second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014.  Morrison, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father in both his looks and his fighting style, has fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma but trains at the Wild Card Boxing Club with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

 

In his outing before last, Morrison won his ShoBox debut with a ruthless first-round TKO over previously undefeated Ed Latimore (13-0) on Sept. 23, 2016.

 

Latimore was expected to provide Morrison with his most daunting test but wound up getting demolished, going down twice, in Morrison’s first start since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in January, 2016.

 

“Health-wise, I’m great,’’ said the 6-foot-2, 27-year-old Morrison who resides in Hollywood, Calif. “I’m going to approach this fight like I did my last fight, like I do all my fights.  I can’t afford to look past any fight.  I have to take them one at a time.  I just have to focus on my opponent.

 

“My training has been going really good, the transition with me and Freddie continues to be smooth.  I just want to continue to improve.  I’m hoping for a good performance, and I think I’ll have one.  All I can do is give the best I can and then whatever happens will happen.’’

 

Morrison, who was born in Vinita, Okla., is one of promoter Tony Holden’s group of fighters known as the “Four State Franchise.”  They include Trey’s half-brother Kenzie Morrison, Baranchyk and Dillon and Jesse Cook.  The Oklahoma-based Holden promoted Tommy Morrison for most of his career.

 

The 26-year-old Martz is a classic all-or-nothing heavyweight.  All but three of Martz’ wins have come via knockout, and he aims to pick up his fifth win over an undefeated opponent when he takes on Lippe Morrison.

 

Martz, who stands at 6-foot-7, handed heavyweight prospect Alexis Santos his first defeat and has shared the ring with newly crowned WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker.

 

LENIN CASTILLO VS. JOE WILLIAMS – Eight Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Castillo, who represented the Dominican Republic at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, turned pro in August 2010.  He’s won three straight by knockout, since boxing an eight-round majority draw with unbeaten Travis Peterkin (15-0) on Aug. 21, 2015.

 

The 6-foot-2, 28-year-old Castillo has 10 knockouts, and all have come in five rounds or less.

 

“I know that Williams is undefeated and that he will come in at his best,” Castillo said.  “Well, I’m coming with my best too, so it going to be an exciting fight.  It’s two undefeated fighters – the perfect kind of fight for ShoBox.”

 

Williams, who owns an amateur victory over undefeated prospect Andrew Tabiti, was a three-time New York Golden Gloves Champion and a 2012 National Golden Gloves Champion.  A 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Alternate, Williams is popular on the New York fight scene and a union worker outside the ring.

 

The 28-year-old has been dominant since turning pro in September 2013, however he’ll be taking a leap in class in facing former Olympian Castillo.

 

“I’m already in great shape and I won’t be stopped,” said Williams, who’s fought eight of his 10 fights in New York.  “I’m a throwback fighter, the last of a dying breed that will fight and beat anyone in my way.  It’s hard to find a fighter who can do all this.

“I can’t wait till Feb. 10 because I’m finally getting my shot on national television to show the world what I can do. This will open a lot of doors for me and the world will see the next superstar of boxing, Joseph ‘Mack’ Williams.”

 

JON FERNANDEZ VS. ERNESTO GARZA – Eight Rounds, Super Featherweights

Fernandez, of Bilbao, País Vasco, Spain, is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and legendary Argentine superstar and former longtime middleweight world championSergio Martinez.   He was an amateur champion in his native Spain and member of the Spanish National Team in 2013 and 2014.

 

A pro since March 2015, the 21-year-old has won eight straight by knockout, all inside five rounds.  The 5-foot-10 Fernandez was a chief sparring partner for Carl Frampton as he prepared for his Jan. 28 rematch with Leo Santa Cruz.

 

“This fight is very important to my boxing career and I will put on a great performance for the fans in attendance and those watching on SHOWTIME,” said the-5-foot-11 Fernandez who is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Mikael Mkrtchan (16-1 going in) to capture the WBC Youth Super Featherweight World Title last Oct. 8.

 

“Garza is a pressure fighter that throws a lot of punches.  He reminds me of Nacif Martinez, who I beat by TKO in Connecticut.  I think I can beat Garza by KO, too.  His style is perfect for me.”

 

Feb. 10 will be Fernandez’ second fight in the United States, and second outside of Spain. He’s remained active since turning pro in March 2015; he fought five times that year, and five times in 2016.

 

A decorated amateur, Garza was a six-time Michigan Golden Gloves champion and the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champ at 119 pounds.  The 28-year-old has won seven of eight since turning pro, including victories in his last two fights.

 

“I’m so excited for this great opportunity,” the 5-foot-4-inch Garza said. “It’s a dream that’s coming true. I finally get a chance to show my talent to the world.”

 

Fernandez vs. Garza is promoted in association with MaravillaBox Promotions and Jaafar Promotions.

 

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.

 

Greg Cohen Promotions Congratulates Skender Halili for Winning Ring Magazine ‘Round of the Year’ for 2016

Greg Cohen Promotions wishes to congratulate their fighter, Skender Halili, one of the most exciting fighters in boxing, for winning THE RING Magazine Round of the Year 2016 for the second round of his super welterweight war against Jason Thompson.
Held on May 27 at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls, New York, the second round of Halili vs. Thompson featured three knockdowns. After an average first round, Halili (13-1, 13 KOs) went down twice in the second under heavy fire from the unexpectedly aggressive veteran Thompson (5-12-4, 4 KOs).
However, in a breathtaking display of boxing’s exciting unpredictability, a dazed Halili, reeling around the ring badly hurt, somehow found the strength to launch a fight-ending right hand at 2:59.
Those thrilling three minutes have now cemented Fort Worth’s Halili and New York’s Thompson in boxing history. Watch the video HERE.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Halili. “I found out right before my last fight, so i was trying to forget about it and stay focused. I saw the names I was up against, and it was guys like Keith Thurman and Sean Porter. That shocked me because their fight was great. Every round was great.”
26-year-old Halili says a lot of the credit for the classic brawl goes to Thompson.
“I give him credit. He came in with a game plan. In the first round, I thought I could out-jab him all day, but he stayed calm and got me to make mistakes. He took me out of my plan and that’s why it became a war. Thompson is smart fighter and his record is very deceiving. He made me realize you can’t judge anyone by their record. But in the end, he didn’t know I could also be the bull.”
“Skender has the type of power and the level of heart that can lead to fights like this,” said promoter Greg Cohen. “We are very proud to be working with him and he’s never let us down. Almost all of his fights turn into crowd-pleasing wars and he always finds a way to win in the end. This fight was just the perfect example of the kind of excitement he brings.”