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M-1, M-1 Challenge, mixed martial arts, MMA, Russia

American middleweight Paul Bradley Steps up to challenge “Storm” Alexander Shlemenko in main event

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
M-1 Challenge 75, March 3, in Moscow, Russia
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (January 27, 2017) – American MMA veteran Paul “The Gentleman” Bradley has stepped up to meet the awesome challenge presented by 2016 M-1 Grand Prix middleweight champion Alexander “Storm” Shlemenko in the March 3rd M-1 Challenge 75 main event in Moscow.
M-1 Challenge 75 will be streamed live from Moscow in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets.
A three-time Bellator champion, Shlemenko (54-9-0. 1 NC, M-1: 4-0-0) defeated former M-1 Challenge champion Vyacheslav Vasilevsky last year in the M-1 Grand Prix Middleweight Championship semifinals and championship final, respectively, by three-round majority decision and third-round submission (choke).  Shlemenko vs. Vasilevsky I & II were also the M-1 Challenge 68 & 64 Fights of the Night.
Former Ring of Combat champion Bradley (23-7-0, M-1: 0-0-0) will be making his M-1 Challenge debut, however, he’s a seasoned MMA veteran having fought in the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator and World Series of Fighting.
The 33-year-old Bradley, fighting out of San Diego (California), was a standout wrestler at the powerhouse University of Iowa.  He is known for his physical strength, tremendous endurance, and balanced stand-up and ground skills.
Undefeated M-1 Challenge welterweight champion Alexey Kunchenko (15-0-0, M-1: 7-0-0), of Russia, will defend his title in the co-feature against Maksin Grabovich (5-2-0, M-1: 4-0-0), of Russia, who replaced injured Kazakh challenger Shavkat Rakhmonov (7-0-0, M-1: 4-0-0).
Russian welterweight prospect Sergey “Streetfighter” Romanov (10-1-0, M-1: 3-0-0) meets Russian veteran Magomed “The White Wolf” Sultanakhmedov (18-5-0, M-1: 10-1-0), while another American fighter, lightweight Keon “The Black Assassin” Caldwell (11-3-0, M-1: 0-0-0), will make his M-1 Global debut against former M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Maxim Divnich (12-2-0, M-1: 6-2-0), of Ukraine.
Rounding out a loaded M-1 Challenge 75 main card is a middleweight clash between Russian favorite Valery “The Russian Hammer” Myasinikov (10-1-2, M-1: 1-1-2) and Spaniard Enoc Solves Torres (19-9-1, M-1: 5-6-1).
INFORMATION:

www.M1Global.tv

Twitter & Instagram:
@M1GlobalNews
@VFinkelchtein
@M1Global
Facebook:
M-1 CHALLENGE EVENT CALENDAR:
 
M-1 Challenge 74 – Feb. 18, 2017 – St. Petersburg, Russia
M-1 Challenge 75 – March 3, 2017 – Moscow, Russia
boxing

 VICTORY BOXING RETURNS TO PHILADELPHIA TONIGHT

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Super Brawl:  The Undefeated to feature elite prospects from Philadelphia and beyond
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILADELPHIA – January 26, 2017 – Victory Boxing Promotions returns to 2300 Arena in Philadelphia tonight with an eight-bout card stacked with elite, undefeated prospects. It is the first of three events that Victory Boxing has on the books at the storied arena in 2017. In the main event, Jaron “Boots” Ennis (8-0, 7KO) faces Puerto Rico’s Elvin Perez (28-16-4, 19KO) in a six-round bout at welterweight.

It’s a step up in competition for Ennis, who beat Marcus Bedford via sixth round technical knockout in December. “We are moving Boots very fast,” Victory Boxing Promotions Founder and Promoter said of the young talent, who began his pro career last April with four national amateur championships and two of Philadelphia’s famed Briscoe Awards under his belt. “Boots is the real deal, and we’re going to see how he fares against a much more experienced opponent on Saturday.”

In the co-main event, boxer-cop Manny Folly (8-0, 6KO) faces Mexico’s Carlos Morgan (12-4, 6KO) in a six round bout. The bantamweight impressed crowds in November with a first round knockout over the more experienced Tibor Nadori. The young talent splits his time between boxing and policing the rough North Philadelphia neighborhood in which he grew up. Another hot Philadelphia prospect, Joshua Jones (3-0-1, 2KO), will step into the ring in his hometown versus an as yet to be determined foe. Local prospect Darren Goodall (3-0, 2KO) kicks off the Philadelphia action in a four-round, super middleweight bout versus Gary Hudson Jr. (debut). Six-foot Philly featherweight Don Smith (3-0, 2KO) is also in action versus Indiana’s Chris Nelson.

Also on the card, Victory Boxing’s busiest prospect, Mexican Junior Welterweight Carlos Sanchez (11-0, 10KO), who fought eleven times in 2016 including his January debut, faces Virginia’s Somner Martin (6-3, 4KO). Canadian knockout artist Adam Daranyi (9-0, 9KO) returns to the ring for the first time since July of last year to face experienced Maryland fighter Lenwood Dozier (12-15-2, 5KO).

Victory Boxing Promotions will debut two exciting new professionals on Saturday. Coachella welterweight Brandun Lee will embark on his professional career after a stellar amateur career that included three National Golden Gloves titles. Pasadena, California’s Christian Camarena also makes his debut at lightweight.

The weigh-in, which is open to the public, will take place Friday, January 27th at 6:00 p.m. at Holiday Inn Stadium, 900 Packer Avenue in Philadelphia.

Tickets for Super Brawl: The Undefeated begin at $40 and are available at victoryboxingpromotions.com or by calling 602-540-5075. Doors to 2300 Arena open at 6:00and first bell is at 7:00 p.m.
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, wrestling

FNU Combat Sports Show: Sonnen vs. Ortiz Recap, De La Hoya Arrest, And So Much More…

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This week on the Fight News Unlimited Combat Sports Show we discuss Tito Ortiz winning his way into retirement over arch rival Chael Sonnen, and we also preview upcoming MMA and boxing events. Tom, Tony and Rich provide in depth analysis and commentary after a week off from the show. 2017 is off to a slow start in the combat sports world, but this weekend gets things started in a huge way with dueling HBO and Showtime boxing cards and both Bellator and UFC events slated for the coming days. Join us as we discuss all things combat sports.

 

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

Full Bellator 171 Weigh-In Results, Video & Photos

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STACKED MAIN CARD FEATURED DURING BELLATOR 171 TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE ON SPIKE

 

 

Complete Weigh-In Photos Here / Weigh-In Video Here

 

MULVANE, KANSAS. (Jan. 26, 2017) –The official weigh-ins for Bellator 171: Guillard vs. Njokuani took place this evening in front of a rowdy crowd just outside the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas. The competitors are now ready for action tomorrow, with the event airing LIVE on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.

The event is headlined by a 180 lb. catchweight main event featuring Melvin Guillard (32-16-2, 3 NC) and Chidi Njokuani (16-4, 1 NC). In the evening’s co-main event, Kansas’ own Dave Rickels (17-4, 2 NC) returns to the Bellator MMA cage to take on Aaron Derrow (14-8) in a lightweight feature fight. The Spike-televised main card also offers an enticing featherweight clash pitting undefeated phenom A.J. McKee (6-0) against Brandon Phillips (6-2), as well as a female flyweight contest pairing Jessica Middleton (1-0) against Alice Yauger (4-4).

Bellator 171: Guillard vs. Njokuani takes place at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kansas, and airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App.

 

Main Card: (Live on SPIKE – 9 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT)

 

Catchweight Main Event: Melvin Guillard (178.1) vs. Chidi Njokuani (179.7)

 

Lightweight Co-Main Event: Dave Rickels (170.3) vs. Aaron Derrow (169.8)

 

Featherweight Main Card Bout: A.J. McKee (145.6) vs. Brandon Phillips (146.8)*

 

Flyweight Main Card Bout: Jessica Middleton (126) vs. Alice Yauger (125.7)

Preliminary Card: (Bellator.com – 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Harris (184.7) vs. Jordan Young (187)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Gaston Reyno (145.2) vs. Justin Overton (146)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Jarod Trice (223.6) vs. Kevin Woltkamp (238)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Tyrell Fortune (244.4) vs. Will Johnson (228.1)

Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Bruna Ellen (125) vs. Carmella James (124.2)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Will Lavine (170.8) vs. Domo Garcia (170.5)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Chance Rencountre (170) vs. Jake Lindsay (170.9)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Johnny Marigo (135.5) vs. Joe Fulk (135.9)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Manny Meraz (170.2) vs. Scott Heston (170.1)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Craig Farley (155.5) vs. Mike Breeden (155.9)

boxing

Local’s Mussachio and Pham highlight undercard Saturday night at The Claridge in Atlantic City

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Thomas LaManna faces Eduardo Flores in main event of Rising Promotions card this Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

Chuck Mussachio battles Michael Mitchell

Plus undefeated Dan Murray, Yurik Mamedov and Dallas Holden
Gabriel Pham in action
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! 
 
Gabriel Pham


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (January 26, 2017) -Local favorites Chuck “The Professor” Mussachio and Gabriel Pham will see action in separate bouts that will highlight an outstanding undercard this Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The card, which is promoted by Rising Promotions will feature,Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna taking on Eduardo Flores un a junior middleweight bout scheduled for eight rounds.
Mussachio (19-3-2, 5 KO’s) of Wildwood, NJ takes on Michael Mitchell (3-7-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, NJ in a light heavyweight bout, while Pham (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ battles Jose Valderrama (5-17, 3 KO’s) of Manati, Puerto Rico in a super middleweight bout.
Mussachio, who won a unanimous decision over Willis Lockett last May 27th.  That nout was his first bout after a three-plus year off.
“I tried to get away from boxing, but something brought me back,” said Mussachio.  “I am happy to be on a card back in Atlantic City.”
This will be Mussachio’s 17th fight in Atlantic City.
Pham is on the rebound following his loss to Christopher Brooker on Last July 9th in Trenton, New Jersey.
Like most fighters, Pham chalked up the loss to Brooker as a learning experience.
“I have been training real hard.  What I learned in the Brooker fight is that I always need to be in shape.  The skills don’t leave you, but I need to stay in shape.  I am just 27, so I need to take a nice slow progress.  It is always nice to fight home.  I don;t know much about Valderrama other then he is a journeyman and he won’t give up.”
In 4-round bouts:
Dan Murray (1-0) of Lanoka Harbor, NJ will square off with Nahir Albright (0-1) of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.
Yurik Mamedov (3-0, 1 KO) of New York takes on pro debuting Jose Jimenez of Ocala, FL in a welterweight tussle.
Dallas Holden (1-0) of Atlantic City will fight Weusi Johnson (1-2) of Wilmington, DE in a bantamweight card.
Jamil Simmons of Pleasantville, NJ will make his pro debut against Thomas Roman of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight affair.
 
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com
boxing

World ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam to battle Robson Assis in co-feature bout to Roy Jones Jr. – Bobby Gunn clash

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“Skill vs. Will”

LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

Fight to take place on February 17th at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware

Frank De Alba takes on Ivan Najera; 
Joey Tiberi in action; 
WBC Asian champion Neeraj Goyat makes his American debut;
Samuel Teah battles Jesus Lule; 
Dan Biddle takes on Lamont Singletary; 
Plus undefeated fighters Henry Stewart and Eddie Ortiz in separate bouts 
Wilmington, DE (January 26, 2017)–World ranked junior middleweight Kanat Islam will battle tough Brazilian Robson Assis in the scheduled 10-round co-feature bout on Friday night, February 17th at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware.
The bout will support the previously announced 12-round WBF Cruiserweight title bout featuring legendary Roy Jones Jr. battling Bobby Gunn.
The show will be show live on Pay-Per-View.
Islam of Kazakhstan, who now calls Pahokee, Florida home has a record of 22-0 with 18 knockouts and is currently ranked number-4 by the WBA, number-5 by the WBO and number-15 by the IBF.
The 32 year-old Islam is a 5 year-professional who holds victories over Humberto Toledo (41-8-2), former world title challenger Francisco Cordero (29-2), Juan De Angel (18-3-1) and his last bout when he went home to Kazakhstan and pounded out a 12 round unanimous decision over Patrick Allottey (34-2) on October 29th.
Islam is a former WBA Fedecaribe and current WBA Fedelatin and WBO Inter-Continental Super Welterweight champion.
Assis of Sao Paulo, Brazil has a record of 16-3 with 9 knockouts.  Assis is a former Brazilian Welterweight champion and former interim WBO Latino champion.
He won the Interim WBO Latino title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Christian Romero (13-3) and retained with a 12-round unanimous decision over Hector Santana (21-4).
Assis’ only 3 losses have come to world class fighters Jeff Horn (8-0-1), Samuel Vargas (22-2-1), and his last bout when he was stopped by Steven Butler (16-0-1) on July 7th in Montreal.

In a 10-round battle for the WBF Junior Lightweight International championship, Frank De Alba will take on Ivan Najera.

DeAlba, 29 years-old of Reading, PA has a record of 20-2-2 with 9 knockouts.
The 6-year pro has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0), Benjamin Burgos (1-0), Benjamin Gomez Uribe (16-3), and is last bout when he stopped Kiun Evans (12-2-1) in 2 rounds on September 9th in Reading, PA.
De Alba is also a former UBF All-Americas Super Featherweight champion.
Najera, 24 years-old of San Antonio, Texas has a record of 16-3 with 8 knockouts.
Najera is a 6-year professional, and has quality victories over Pedro Martinez (2-0), Jerry Fuentes(2-0), Angel Hernandez (8-1) & Stan Martyniouk (13-1).  Najera has stepped up the competition but has fallen short to Felix Verdejo (17-0), Saul Rodriguez (18-0-1) and his last bout when he was stopped in 2 rounds by former world title challenger Raymundo Beltran on May 21st in Laredo, Texas.
WBC Asian Council Welterweight champion Neeraj Goyat (8-2-2, 2 KO’s) of Chandigarh, India will make his American debut against an opponent to be named in bout scheduled for 8-rounds
Also seeing action will be local favorite Joey Tiberi, Jr. (13-2, 6 KO’s) of Newark, Delaware takes on Bryan Timmons (5-8, 5 KO’s) lightweight bout scheduled for 6-rounds.
Samuel Teah (9-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will battle Jesus Lule (9-20-1, 1 KO) of Fort Myers, Florida in a 6-round super lightweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Henry Stewart (2-0, 1 KO) of Orillia Ontario, Canada will take on an opponent to be named.
In a Cruiserweight battle for Delaware bragging rights, Dan Biddle (9-5, 5 KO’s) of Wilmington will take on Lamont Singletary (7-4, 4 KO’s) of Dover.
Undefeated middleweight Eddie Ortiz (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of San Antonio, Texas will take on an opponent to be named.
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 $29.99.  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 $75 – $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.
boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz II Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING & SHOWTIME EXTREME Action This Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas
 
Click HERE

for (Correct) Photo Link from
Esther Lin/SHOWTIME
 
Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/
Premier Boxing Champions
 
LAS VEGAS (January 26, 2017) – Undefeated featherweight world champion Carl Frampton and former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference before they enter the ring for their highly anticipated rematch that headlines a Premier Boxing Champions event thisSaturday, January 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live onSHOWTIME.
Televised coverage of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin battling former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia, who also squared-off at the final press conference before their championship showdown Saturday.
The press conference also featured fighters competing in the SHOWTIME EXTREMEportion of the card beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Featherweight world champion Lee Selby defends his title against former champion Jonathan Victor Barros, undefeated rising star David Benavidez takes on once-beaten Sherali Mamadjonov and undefeated prospect Josh Taylor will have highlights of his 10-round super lightweight contest featured on-air, time permitting.
Santa Cruz announced at the press conference, that he will be raffling off his ring outfit, gloves and other items following the fight and plans to donate the money to a children’s cancer charity. Additional information will be posted on his social media accounts (@leosantacruz2 on Twitter and @elfamosoterremoto on Instagram).
CARL FRAMPTON
“Both Leo and myself enjoyed the fight, although more importantly, the fans enjoyed it. I have to give Leo credit for taking the rematch and making this happen.
“I think with this fight, there can’t be too much that goes differently. Our styles just gel together. Leo is a tremendous fighter who I have the utmost respect for inside and outside of the ring.
“Both of us fight for our families. That’s really all the motivation you need. Two young men with young kids who just want to give their children a better life. Those are the ingredients for a top quality contest.
“There’s no doubt we both have what it takes to win this fight, but the way things have been going this training camp, I’m extremely confident I’ll get the win. I’m excited for the fight, but I believe that I’m going to come home victorious. This crowd that has come from overseas to support me is incredible and I’m hoping to send them home happy.”
LEO SANTA CRUZ
“I’m happy to be here. Since I was very small it was my dream to be the main event on a big card. I saw all of the other greats fight here and I always said that maybe one day I could fight here. Now I’ve made it, thanks to the help of my family and team.
“Now that I’ve made it here, I want to make sure I shine. I want to give my best. I’m really prepared for this fight. Our first fight was great and this is going to be another tough fight.
“We’ve been working on some little things in the gym. We’re going to be smarter but as a Mexican fighter, I’m going to give the fans a great fight. Every time I step into the ring, I’m trying to please the fans.
“I can use my distance and box if I wanted to, but I want to brawl. I want to bring my heart to the ring and entertain the fans. I’m going to do a little bit of everything.
“I’m going to be the smarter fighter and I’m going to do what I have to do to win this fight. I think this fight is going to be even better than the first fight.
“I need to really fight the best fight of my career. This is a huge fight and it’s the main event in Las Vegas. This is what I dreamed of. I’m seeing the benefits of all of the hard work I’ve put in.
“Carl is a great fighter with great skills. He’s very respectful and I know that he does this for his family too. When you do this for your family, you do it with heart and hunger and you leave everything in the ring.”
DEJAN ZLATICANIN
“Garcia has very good timing and power, especially with the right hand. I don’t think he’s very flexible in the ring though. That will hurt him.
“This is a big fight for me and my country of Montenegro. People love me there and I think the whole country will be awake to watch this fight.
“I think I’m a stronger fighter and I’ve fought just as good opposition. It will be a good fight, but I am coming for the knockout victory.
“I know how dangerous Mikey Garcia is and it’s a big deal that I get to defend my title against him. When they told me about this fight, I immediately accepted because I want to fight against the best.
“People might not know about me right now, but after Saturday, they will know about me forever. This is a risky fight but a win would be huge for me and my country.
“I can’t think about anything but the fight. I just want to get in the ring and show everyone my skills and my heart.
“If Mikey avoids fighting me in the middle I could see it going 12 rounds, but I’ll definitely be looking for the knockout if I can get it.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be here in Las Vegas. To be one of the stars of this show is fantastic. A lot of boxers dream of being in this position and I’m living it.”
MIKEY GARCIA
“I had time to experience a lot of things during my layoff that I hadn’t done before. Especially spend a lot of time with my family, but I always stayed in shape and that has kept me ready for this moment.
“I think this was one of the best training camps that I’ve ever had. My focus is on lightweight and winning this title. Depending on how my body feels, I could see myself moving up to 140 pounds later this year.
“This is a chance to add another chapter to my legacy. I just want to add to my legacy and the legacy of the whole Garcia boxing family. I’m going to leave my mark.
“We’re here. Now that I’m back, I’m ready to take over. I’m taking on the biggest challenges available. These are opponents with the credibility that I need. These are the guys I can prove myself against. I want to take the title away from a legitimate champion.
“Dejan is the most dangerous champion in the division. He has great power, but I believe in what I’ve got. We’re picking up right where we left off. Saturday night I’m going to add another title to the collection and give the fans more to enjoy.
“This next stage of my career will be the biggest and best part of my career. Dejan believes he’s going to win and so do I. That’s the recipe for a great action fight.”
LEE SELBY
“I’m happy and excited to be fighting at the mecca of boxing in Las Vegas. I turned professional in 2008 and fought in small venues. Against all odds, I’ve made it here to be defending my title on this great stage.
“I know that I need to look impressive in this one. It’s a great opportunity to be showcased on a card of this magnitude. I’m looking to really build off of what I did in training.
“I worked so hard throughout this camp. I’ve treated it like I’m the main event and I know that will translate in the ring.
“If I can get this victory and if Frampton wins again, that’s definitely the fight I’m looking at. It’s a massive unification in the U.K. and I think boxing fans around the world would be interested in that one.
“Hopefully I’ll give you all a great show on Saturday night. I’ll show my boxing and punching skills and walk out of the ring still a world champion.”
DAVID BENAVIDEZ
“I’ve been training very hard for this fight. It’s an opportunity to show my skills. I’ve been training for three months and I’m as ready as can be.
“It’s going to be a great night of boxing. You don’t want to miss it.
“I believe I have a style that’s going to entertain fans. This is another challenge that’s in front of me on the way to a world title.
“I’m ready to put on a big performance Saturday night. I hope that this will lead to bigger and better challenges for myself.”
SHERALI MAMADJANOV
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m excited to fulfill my dream to fight in Las Vegas. I’ve traveled all the way from Uzbekistan to take this fight.
“I am going to leave everything in the ring in search of this victory. I want to make a name for myself and this is a great opportunity to do that.”
JOSH TAYLOR
“I’m so excited to be here in Las Vegas for the first time. I’m thrilled to be on such a big undercard so early in my career.
“This has been a great training camp and I’m ready to bring that work into the ring and show my skills for the fans in Las Vegas.
“I’m going to bring another victory back home with me and give everyone a great showSaturday night.”
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports
“The goal in this promotion was to make this fight as big as it could be and I hope you enjoy it on Saturday night.
“This is a card of winners. These fighters here have around 300 wins with only 30 losses. It’s also a card of punchers, with almost 200 knockouts between these fighters. Tickets start at just $50, which is an amazing value for this kind of card.
“Saturday night will be the happiest place on earth for fight fans right here at the MGM Grand. I guarantee that Saturday night will be a spectacular night of boxing.
“We want to continue to bring these great stacked cards to viewers in the United States and all around the world. If you look at the SHOWTIME boxing calendar, it is truly a great time to be a boxing fan.
“This fight between Zlaticanin and Garcia could truly be a main event on almost any other card. This is two great champions fighting each other and it’s guaranteed to be exciting. This is a very dangerous fight for both fighters.
“Leo always has a smile on his face, even when he gets punches. He is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and one of the kindest guys. He really defines the word ‘entertainment.’  You will never see a boring fight when Leo is in the ring.”
BARRY MCGUIGAN, Former World Champion, Hall of Famer and Frampton’s Manager
“I’m very excited about this great night. This is going to be a sensational fight. We have great respect for Leo Santa Cruz and his family. They’re great people and they can really fight.
“This is a great main event and the undercard is spectacular. I don’t think I’ve seen one like this in a long time.
“This is going to be a tough fight, but we’re taking the belt home with us.”
STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
“SHOWTIME has televised more boxing events from the MGM Grand than any other network. It became our second home. We’re glad to be back and we’ll be back many more times.
“We’re thrilled to present a fight the caliber of Lee Selby vs. Yoni Barros in a world title fight on SHOWTIME EXTREME, where so many great fighters have gotten their start.
“In our main event, Frampton-Santa Cruz was the 2016 Fight of the Year. By wide consensus Frampton was the Fighter of the Year in 2016. This fight has a chance to become a great rivalry. It reminds me in many ways of the Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales at featherweight, several of which took place at MGM Grand.
“The first fight was so close that there was a difference of just 13 total punches in the 12 rounds. It was so action packed that nearly 80 percent of the punches landed, were power punches. It was so close a fight, that the fighters landed within six punches of each other, in 10 of the 12 rounds. That’s the definition of a close fight and we’re thrilled that these fighters agreed to a rematch so quickly.
“Dejan Zlaticanin is one of the most avoided fighters at the lower weight classes. Mikey Garcia is not one who goes with the norm. Zlaticanin is the eighth consecutive opponent for Mikey who has held or fought for a world title. It’s a very special fight.
“Top to bottom, this card is what this sport can be at its best. These are hard-working, professional guys who are really a credit to the sport.”
RICHARD STURM, President of Entertainment and Sports for MGM Resorts International
“This weekend’s championship event marks the exciting rematch between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz. This international battle kicks off another year of sensational sports entertainment at our properties in Las Vegas.
“We look forward to another Fight of the Year candidate as Frampton looks to remain undefeated while Santa Cruz looks to reclaim his belt. We look forward to seeing youSaturday night.”
ABOUT FRAMPTON vs. SANTA CRUZ 2
Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Undefeated Prospect Miguel Flores Faces Top Contender Dat Nguyen in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 & BOXEO DE CAMPEONES  on FOX Deportes Tuesday, February 21 at Silver Street in Houston, Texas

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Plus! Undefeated Prospects Brandon Figueroa & Darwin Price Featured in Separate Televised Attractions
 
Tickets on Sale Now!
 
HOUSTON (January 26, 2017) – Undefeated rising prospect Miguel Flores (21-0, 9 KOs) headlines in his hometown as he battles Dat Nguyen (19-3, 6 KOs) in the 10-round super featherweight main event of Premier Boxing Champions TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS on FS1 and BOXEO DE CAMPEONES on FOX Deportes Tuesday, February 21 from Silver Street in Houston, Texas.
Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten prospect Brandon Figueroa (10-0, 7 KOs) in a six-round attraction and undefeated Darwin Price(11-0, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight matchup.
“I’m very thrilled to be headlining another show on FS1 and FOX Deportes, especially in my home state of Texas,” said Flores. “Dat Nguyen is a very talented fighter who’s been in the ring with some good opponents. His only losses were against fighters who were undefeated at the time. I’m expecting a rough fight, which should make for good television. Everyone should tune in because this is going to be a great fight with a lot of action.”
“I’m excited to be back in the main event on a great network like FS1 and FOX Deportes,” said Nguyen. “I know my career has had its ups and downs, but a win over Flores would bring me back to the top. Flores is young, hungry and undefeated. I once had that fear of losing, so I know what it will take to beat him. I would like to thank all of my fans and countrymen for their support and I will make them proud.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be  purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
An undefeated fighter from Michoacan, Mexico, but fighting out of Houston, Flores has not lost since turning pro in 2009 at just 17-years-old. The 24-year-old had a big 2015 beginning in May with a victory over German Meraz and followed up by wins against Juan Ruiz, Carlos Padilla and Alfred Tetteh. He started 2016 with a headlining win over Mario Briones at The Dancehall in January before dominating Ruben Tamayo over 10 rounds in May and most recently scoring a decision over previously once-beaten Ryan Kielczweski in August.
Born in Bien Hoa, Vietnam as the son of a Vietnamese POW, Nguyen and his family moved to the United States when he was eight-years-old. Nguyen earned a full scholarship to Northern Michigan University as part of their Olympic boxing program and would go on to win a silver medal at the National Golden Gloves and a bronze medal at the U.S. World Championships. Fighting out of Vero Beach, Florida, Nguyen’s losses have all come from undefeated opponents and he enters this fight having won back-to-back contests.
The brother of former world champion Omar, the 20-year-old Figueroa turned pro in May of 2015 by defeating Hector Gutierrez and followed that up by stopping Ricardo Mena, Ramiro Ruiz and Francisco Muro to close out the year. The Weslaco-native has stayed busy in 2016, picking up six victories, including five by way of stoppage.
Originally from St. Louis, Price’s road has led him to Houston where he now trains with noted coach Ronnie Shields. An exceptional athlete who was highly regarded in track and field as a teenager, the 26-year-old turned pro in 2013. His activity ramped up in 2015 as he took home four victories before 2016 saw him earn impressive victories over previously unbeaten Semajay Thomas and once-beaten Javontae Starks.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

Andrzej Fonfara Enters The World of Pilates for Training

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Photo Credit: Mario Serrano Team Fonfara
BAY AREA, CA (January 26, 2017) – Light heavyweight contender, Andrzej Fonfara (28-, 16 KOs), has entered the world of Pilates as he plans to take his career to new heights.  Born in Poland and training in Bay Area, CA, with coach Virgil Hunter, Fonfara believes his Pilates regimen will improve his boxing career on many different levels.
“I just started doing Pilates as part of my workout routine.” said former world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara. “I felt I needed to do something different in my boxing training and Pilates fit right in.  The workouts are very challenging.  My stamina and balance feels better.  Overall I feel like a new fighter.  I know I have what it takes to get back on top.  My goal is to get back in the win column and continue my march toward a world championship.”
Right now, negotiations are being discussed for his next fight.  Look for Fonfara to return to the ring in March, most likely against a top contender.  Right now Fonfara is currently ranked WBC #8.

boxing, Las Vegas, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 Fighter Grand Arrivals & Media Workout Quotes & Photos

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SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING & SHOWTIME EXTREME Action This Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas

 

Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

 

Click HERE for Photos from Andy Samuelson/

Premier Boxing Champions

 

LAS VEGAS (January 25, 2017) – Fight week officially kicked-off Wednesday with fighter grand arrivals and media workouts before the Premier Boxing Champions event this Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and live on SHOWTIME.

 

Headlining the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING card and Wednesday’s workout were featherweight world champion Carl Frampton and former three-division world champion Leo Santa Cruz, who meet in a rematch of their July Fight of the Year candidate. Televised action begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with undefeated lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin battling former two-division world champion Mikey Garcia.

 

Also participating in the workout were a pair of fighters who will be featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Featherweight world champion Lee Selby defends his title against former champion Jonathan Victor Barros while undefeated rising star David Benavidez takes on once-beaten Sherali Mamadjanov.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports in association with Cyclone Promotions and TGB Promotions, are priced at $504, $404, $304, $204, $104 and $54, and are on sale. Tickets are available at www.AXS.com.

 

Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

 

CARL FRAMPTON

 

“I think I’m going to get another win. I feel like I’ve been improving during training and I feel like I’m getting stronger and punching harder. If I have to go into the trenches again, I’m prepared to do that.

 

“This is my second fight at featherweight, so I think I’m getting more used to the weight. I feel more comfortable overall this time. Going into this fight, I have the psychological edge. I’m relaxed, excited and happy about boxing again.

 

“Leo and myself are both very motivated. I want to prove that the first fight wasn’t a fluke and that I’m a better fighter. I’m going to show that the awards I picked up last year are justified.

 

“I think if you look at Leo’s style, it’s exciting and it’s made him a three-weight world champion. The whole way through his career he’s fought with aggression. He has a high work-rate and he tries to bully opponents. I don’t think he’s going to do a lot different this time.

 

“If I can get a lead on the scorecards and make him desperate, that’s where I’m really going to capitalize.

 

“I believe that if I hit anyone in these weight divisions clean on the chin, they can go down and out.

 

“I believe that I’m going to face a very tough Leo Santa Cruz, as always. This is going to be another difficult fight, but if I make the adjustments I’ve had to in the gym, I’ll win the fight more convincingly.

 

“It’s great to see people already out here supporting me, but there are more coming. Most people arrive tonight or tomorrow. This is just a fraction and it’s going to be really exciting on fight night.

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

 

“I’m very excited and happy to be here. I know that this is going to be another tough fight. This is what we want. We want to give the fans great fights and I think this is going to be another war. I’m looking to go in there and get my belt back.

 

“It’s a dream come true to be fighting back at MGM Grand. I’ve wanted to fight here since I was a kid. I never thought it would come true, but now that it is, I’m honored and excited to be fighting in the main event.

 

“It was very hard to lose for the first time. I was disappointed in myself and I knew I had let my fans down. I got a lot of great support thought and I felt a lot better. It motivated me to get to this fight.

 

“I have to be smarter in this fight. I need to be more patient. Frampton is a great counter-puncher so I think I need to counter the counter puncher. I’ll use my reach and do a little bit of everything to get the win.

 

“I think this will be even better than the first one. I’m more determined and hungrier this time and I think Carl Frampton is too. We’re going to come with everything we’ve got.

 

“I look at Carl Frampton and I see myself because I know that he is doing this for his family. This is what we do. Once we get in that ring, it’s all business. We respect each other outside of the ring.

 

“I can feel that it’s going to be a great atmosphere. This is where we want to be and these are the kinds of fights we want to be in.

 

“I know a lot of Irish people will be out to support Carl Frampton and I know the Mexican fans will be here to support me. That’s what I want. We both deserve support because we’re going to give a great fight for the fans.

 

“We want a trilogy. If I get the win, I will happily give him a third fight and make this a great rivalry that goes back-and-forth.

 

“Since I started boxing, I’ve been throwing a lot of punches. The kids couldn’t take my pressure and they said I destroy them like an ‘earthquake.’ That’s where ‘Terremoto’ comes from.”

 

DEJAN ZLATICANIN

 

“I’m very happy to be here for this huge event at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I’m very grateful to my team for making this fight possible. We’re striving to be the best. I’m a world champion and I’m going to leave the ring a champion. Mikey can try and take away my belt, but he’s not going to be able to do.

 

“I’m going for a knockout. I’m the kind of fighter who is going to be aggressive. I always want to impress the fans and give them excitement.

 

“If Mikey stands in the pocket with me, it will be a short night. If he wants to box, it will take a little longer. But My goal is still to knock him out.

 

“It’s going to be hard in Las Vegas to get a decision against a Mexican icon like Mikey Garcia and this is why I’m trying to make it exciting and bring the fight to him.”

 

MIKEY GARCIA

 

“I love to jab and use it to set up other big punches. It’s a foundation for everything, even defense. A lot of fighters don’t use it, but I could use it for an entire fight. All of those big punches can change a fight, but the jab sets everything up.

 

“This fight is a great opportunity for me and I’m going to take advantage of it. This is a new division for me and I believe I’m facing the toughest guy in the division. This is going to be a great division for me. I feel fast and strong and really believe you will see the best Mikey Garcia at lightweight.

 

“Had I been fighting during my layoff; I would probably be close to retiring by now. The time allowed me to go enjoy life and my family and come back to the sport with a new mindset and ready to work.

 

“There are still a lot of things that I want to accomplish in this sport. This would be my third division with a world title. I would obviously want to unify titles or go after title at 140-pounds. I’m going to do whatever it takes to elevate myself in this sport.

 

“This is a great fight. Dejan is going to come to win. I’m coming to take his title. It’s going to be a great show but I feel that I’m going to win a world title in my third-division.

 

“If I could get the winner of the Jorge Linares-Anthony Crolla rematch, and claim supremacy in the division, that would be great. I’ll go anywhere in the world to do it and I definitely want these challenges.

 

“I think this is going to be a great fight but I do believe that I’m going to become the new world champion on Saturday night.”

 

LEE SELBY

 

“This is massive for where I came from. To build myself up to this moment is amazing and I’m excited to be here.

 

“I think every boxer dreams of fighting in Las Vegas, especially in the U.K. We’ve watched Floyd Mayweather fight here for years and we want to emulate that. It’s not an unrealistic dream now.

 

“My opponent is a big physical guy with a lot of experience. He can definitely punch and he’s going to try throw shots from an unorthodox position. Hopefully my angles will help me be successful.

 

“I think people have been overlooking my fight. It’s going to be a very tough battle. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy fight, but if I can come through okay it would be a massive fight against Carl Frampton next. I think it would be one of the biggest in the U.K.

 

“Having already fought in the U.S. is valuable because it helps me know what to expect. But fighting in Las Vegas will be different. Carl Frampton has brought a lot of fans over and we’ll see whether they cheer or boo me. Either way it’ll be a good atmosphere.

 

“It was hard to pick a winner between Frampton and Santa Cruz in the first fight and I was sitting ringside. I’m rooting for Carl Frampton this time so we can make that huge unification fight.

 

“This is a great opportunity for fans to see two international stars like Carl and myself in-person and we’ll certainly put on a great show.”

 

DAVID BENAVIDEZ

 

“I trained really hard for this fight. I have a strong, tough opponent but I’m going to go in there and prove to everybody that I can be the best.

 

“I’ve always wanted to prove to my older brother (unbeaten welterweight Jose) that I could do this just like him and make a name for myself in the sport. I’m looking to be part of a new generation of fighters.

 

“This is a good fight for me on my way to a world title shot. I’m just working hard to get better every day so that I can earn my spot in the ring with the top guys.

 

“I think my time is coming. If I can keep performing and taking advantage of these opportunities, my goals are in reach.

 

“I think I’m going to be at 168-pounds for a while. I make the weight comfortably. I’m hoping to get a world title opportunity in that weight class first.

 

“I just want to be an exciting fighter. I want to be a fighter that everyone gathers around the television to watch. I always want to give the fans a great fight. I think I can do that while becoming one of the best fighters in boxing.”

 

ABOUT FRAMPTON vs. SANTA CRUZ 2

Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz 2 is a world championship rematch of the 2016 Fight of the Year candidate featherweight showdown. The 12-round bout headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING action on Saturday, January 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, lightweight world champion Dejan Zlaticanin will meet former two-division champion Mikey Garcia in the opening bout on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

 

Featherweight world champion Lee Selby will fight for the second time in the United States when he battles former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros in action on SHOWTIME EXTREME beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.mgmgrand.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @RealCFrampton, @MikeyGarcia, @DinamitDejan1 and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.