All posts by FNU47

Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

RISING STAR A.J. MCKEE RETURNS TO ACTION WITH FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT AGAINST BRANDON PHILLIPS AT BELLATOR 171 INSIDE KANSAS STAR ARENA ON JAN. 27

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KANSAS’ OWN JESSICA MIDDLETON MAKES SPIKE DEBUT DURING FLYWEIGHT BOUT AGAINST ALICE YAUGER

GASTON REYNO ADDED TO STACKED PRELIMINARY CARD

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. —  (Jan. 12, 2017) – A featherweight feature fight pitting A.J. McKee (6-0) against Brandon Phillips (6-2) has been added to the SPIKE-televised main card of Bellator 171 at the Kansas Star Arena on Jan. 27.

In addition, Kansas’ own Jessica Middleton (1-0) will take on Alice Yauger (4-4) in a female flyweight clash, while Uruguayan knockout artist Gaston Reyno (6-1, 2 NC) highlights a stacked preliminary card when he meets Justin Overton (3-2).

The evening’s main event features a 175-pound catchweight showdown between MMA veteran Melvin Guillard (32-16-2, 3 NC) and knockout specialist Chidi Njokuani (16-4, 1 NC). “The King of Kansas” David Rickels (17-4, 2 NC) also returns to the Bellator cage, as he will take on Aaron Derrow (14-8) in a lightweight feature fight.

Tickets for Bellator 171: Guillard vs. Njokuani start at $24 and are on sale now at KansasStarEventCenter.com, as well as Ticketmaster.com. Additional main and preliminary card bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.The event 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.

McKee enters the Bellator MMA cage undefeated and continues to prove that he is one of the top young prospects in the sport of MMA. With each of McKee’s six professional fights coming under the direction of Bellator MMA, the 21-year-old Team BodyShop product has made a name for himself from day one, showing both exceptional power and elusiveness every time he steps into the cage. After finishing each of his first five opponents with opening round victories, “Mercenary” was finally taken the distance in his most recent bout with Ray Wood, earning a hard-fought unanimous decision win atBellator 166. A native of Long Beach, Calif., McKee will return to the Midwest in search of his first win of 2017.

Taking his ninth professional fight, 27-year-old Brandon Phillips will participate in the main card action for the first time in his Bellator MMA career. Phillips began his professional career with a bang, delivering five consecutive victories, with four knockouts, and earning well-deserved attention from the Scott Coker-led promotion. Phillips made his Bellator MMA debut in 2016, collecting a unanimous decision victory over Chuka Willis at Bellator 159. After recording finishes in five of six career wins, the Oklahoma City native will make the short trip up North to Kansas Star Arena, where he will have the opportunity to add to that impressive total.

Fighting out of Wichita, Kansas, 28-year-old Jessica Middleton will look to add to her impressive professional debut, a clutch victory over Bruna Ellen at last year’s Bellator 159 when she competes on Jan. 27. Following an undefeated amateur career, the hometown favorite now hopes to preserve her unblemished professional mark in a flyweight fight with Alice Yauger. An eight-fight veteran of MMA, Yauger enters the bout having won each of her last two contests and three of her past four. Hailing from Arlington, Texas, the 38-year-old Yauger hopes to use her experience advantage when she makes her promotional debut against the younger Middleton.

Making his fourth appearance under the Bellator MMA banner, Reyno enters the bout in search of his third win under the promotion and second in a row. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, Reyno has delivered finishes in each of his six career victories, including five straight first round stoppages to begin his professional career. “Tonga” will now direct his attention to Kansas Star Arena and Jan. 27, where he will look to build off of an impressive knockout win over L.J. Hermreck at Bellator 159.

Updated Bellator 171: Guillard vs. Njokuani Main Card:

175 lb. Catchweight Main Event: Melvin Guillard (32-16-2, 3 NC) vs. Chidi Njokuani (16-4, 1 NC)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (17-4, 2 NC) vs. Aaron Derrow (14-8)

Featherweight Feature Fight: A.J. McKee (6-0) vs. Brandon Phillips (6-2)

Flyweight Feature Fight: Jessica Middleton (1-0) vs. Alice Yauger (4-4)

Updated Preliminary Card:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Chris Harris (7-0) vs. Jordan Young (5-0)

Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Gaston Reyno (6-1, 2 NC) vs. Justin Overton (3-2)

Weltereweight Preliminary Bout: Will Lavine (Debut) vs. Domo Garcia (Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Chance Rencountre (8-2) vs. Jake Lindsay (11-5)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Johnny Marigo (2-0) vs. Joe Fulk (4-4)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Manny Meraz (8-3) vs. Scott Heston (4-1)

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

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Erislandy Lara Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Super Welterweight World Champion Battles Former Champion Yuri Foreman in Main Event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike
Friday, January 13 from Hialeah Park Racing & Casino in Miami
 
Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/Team Lara/
Premier Boxing Champions
MIAMI (January 12, 2017) – Super welterweight world champion Erislandy Lara is primed and ready for his world title defense against former world champion Yuri Foreman this Friday, January 13 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike from Hialeah Park Racing and Casino in Miami.
Additional action on Spike features former world champion Anthony Dirrell and Hungary’s Norbert Nemesapati, who meet in a 10-round super middleweight bout. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated prospects Miguel Cruz, who attended today’s press conference,and Alex Martin in welterweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $25, $35, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.myticketforce.com by clicking HERE, by phone at (877) 840-0457 or at the Hialeah Park casino cage.
Here is what Lara had to say about Foreman, training camp with Ronnie Shields and more:
On his recent training camp…
“We just wrapped up about a week and we got some good rest during fight week. Training camp has been very productive.  I’m comfortable with my weight and I feel strong going into this fight. My strength and conditioning is right where I want it.  Ronnie and I are always polishing up on the things I do well.  Overall, it’s been a great camp.”
On facing former world champion Yuri Foreman…
“I’m grateful to Yuri Foreman for accepting this fight.  I know he’s hungry to get back in the ring.  He wants to prove that he’s still relevant in the super welterweight division.  He’s a former world champion who knows what it’s like to win at the elite level.  I’m not looking past Yuri Forman, but I’m very confident I’ll be victorious.  I feel I’m going to be the superior fighter when we both step in the ring tomorrow night.”
On returning to Miami to fight in front of a large Cuban community…
“My last fight here was amazing and the fan support was unbelievable.  I got the knockout and I’m hoping to do the same again.  If I see my opponent hurt, I’ll be looking to take him out.  I love my Cuban countrymen and all their support, as well as my American fans.  Miami is like a second home to me and I can’t wait to give the fans a great show.”
On the state of the super welterweight division…
“The division, in my opinion, is the most talented division in boxing.  Everyone at the top is looking to cement their legacy in boxing history and everyone is spectacular.  In the future, we will all have to face each other at some point.  So, expect some unification bout to be presented, and may the best man rise to the top.  I know I’m ready to fight everyone, but first I must get past Foreman.”
On fighting in the main event on Spike…
“Fighting on Spike, as the main event, is going to fantastic.  The exposure is wonderful for any athlete competing on their network.  Boxing is a great sport, and Spike TV is helping us gain more fans with their viewers.  The PBC is doing an excellent job.  I’m very happy to be fighting on network television.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @YForeman, @AnthonyDirrell, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.  PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

Maurice Hooker vs. Juan Pablo Lopez Added to Cotto-Kirkland Undercard

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Reigning NABO Junior Welterweight Champion Maurice “Mighty Mo” Hooker (20-0-3, 14 KOs) will face Mexican knockout specialist Juan Pablo “Che Che” Lopez (29-3, 24 KOs) in a 10-round champion defense on the freeview undercard of Miguel Cotto vs. James Kirkland “The Return” on Saturday, February 25 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

 

It comes as no surprise the Dallas-native was on hand when Roc Nation Sports, Miguel Cotto Promotions and the Dallas Cowboys organization officially announced the event in December at the team’s newly minted World Corporate Headquarters.

 

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

 

Maurice Hooker and Roc Nation Sports confirmed the card today on their social media handles.

 

MAURICE HOOKER TWITTER: https://twitter.com/mightymohooker/status/819578558905548800

MAURICE HOOKER INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPK6oL5DCib/?taken-by=mauricemightymohooker

ROC NATION TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RocNation/status/819580458216411136

ROC NATION INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/BPK7fJYgEKi/?taken-by=rocnationsports

 

Photo Credit: Stacey Verbeek

boxing, Rivera Promotions

Prospect Irvin Gonzalez continuing Worcester boxing tradition Jan 19th

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Inaugural “New England’s Future” series event in Worcester
WORCESTER, Mass. (January 11, 2017) – Fast rising featherweight prospect Irvin Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs) will continue Worcester’s rich boxing tradition Thursdaynight, January 19, headlining the inaugural “New England’s Future” series event against Mexican invader Israel “Tigre” Rojas (9-14, 3 KOs), at the Worcester Palladium.
Rivera Promotions Entertainment (RPE), is promoting the first professional boxing show in the Central Massachusetts city in more than five years.
                                                                                      (photo by Cristian Nunez)
Worcester’s boxing tradition started close to a century ago with Canadian import Lou Brouillard, a two-division world champion and Hall of Famer, 1928 Olympic bronze medalist Leo Sawicki, and more recently, among others, pro and amateur standouts such as multiple national amateur champion Bobby Harris, Sean “The Irish Express” Sean Fitzgerald and Edwin Rodriguez.
Arguably the greatest Worcester fighter in the past 50 years is three-time, two-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera, who is promoting “New England’s Future” with his son, Anthonee.  “I have seen Irvin train and fight since he was in the Junior Olympics,” Rivera said.  “I am very proud of him because he was able to discover on his own that he was getting in his own way.  He was always a talented fighter but, at times in the ring, he was inconsistent and it cost him a few fights.  As he got older, he boxed more talented boxers and looked good against them.  He started believing in himself more and it showed in his training. His abilities and confidence grew and that got him all the way to the Olympic Trials. I feel he has the skills to become world champion in the future.  The sky is the limit for this young man and I am proud to have him fighting on our show.”
Gonzalez, a 2015 New England Golden Gloves champion, will be headlining his first show in his first scheduled six-round bout.  “Fighting in my hometown in the main event means a lot to me because,” Gonzalez admitted.  “I’ve grown up in this city, fighting my whole life, and of people who’ve supported me will be watching me fight for the first time as a pro.  I’m excited.  I’m comfortable fighting here in Worcester and I want to showcase the boxing talent we have in Worcester.”
Gonzalez qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials but he was eliminated, not due to a loss in the ring, for missing weight.  He decided not to wait four years for another Olympic shot, turning pro this past March with a first-round stoppage of Gilvan Santos at Foxwoods Resort Casino.  In four pro fights to date, Gonzalez has four knockouts and only one was extended into the second round.
“I was always told that I had a pro boxing style,” the well-spoken, handsome Gonzalez continued, “but we didn’t immediately decide to turn pro until the time was right.  I had some stoppages as an amateur but, as a pro, I’ve been going more to the body.  I do have heavy hands. I don’t go into a fight looking for a knockout.  I just let ’em come but I’ve prepared to go six rounds if needed for this fight.  I’ve been sparring eight rounds with different guys coming in fresh.”
In addition to being a prize fighter, the 20-year-old Gonzalez works at a bank and he also owns and operates New England Boxing gym with his father, former boxer Irvin Gonzalez, where the youngster serves as a personal trainer.
In the six-round co-feature Springfield (MA) light heavyweight Reinaldo “Bazooka” Graceski (4-0, 2 KOs) faces Worcester’s Ralph Johnson (2-9, 1 KO).
Fighting on the undercard in four-round bouts are Worcester junior lightweight Ranse Andino in his pro debut vs. Lowell’s (MA) Jonathan Perez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), pro-debuting Worcester heavyweight Felix Martinez vs. Bobby Favor (0-3), Hartford’s (CT) pro-debuting light heavyweight Richard “Popeye The Sailor Man” Rivera vs. Brockton’s (MA) Davonte Hopkins (0-2), pro-debuting Southbridge (MA) boxer Wilfredo Pagan vs. Alexander Picot (1-1-1, 0 KOs) at a 145-pound catchweight, pro-debuting Springfield (MA) junior featherweight Luis “Pancho” Santiago vs, Jonathan Ramos (0-2), 2016 N.E. Golden Gloves champion Anthony Laureano (1-0), of East Haven (CT), vs. Boston junior welterweight Rafael Francis (0-8), Auburn (MA) junior middleweight “Irish” Chuck Shearns (2-1, 1 KO), the 49-year-old hanging up his gloves after his fight with Shavonte Dixon (0-1), of Philadelphia, Saugus (MA) light heavyweight Brandon Montella (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Roberto El Viejo” Valenzuela (69-73-2, 56 KOs) and unbeaten Lawrence (MA) heavyweight Jean Pierre Augstin (7-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Jose Hymberto “Olympico” Corral (19-22, 12 KOs).
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets, priced at $65.00 (ringside), $45.00 (preferred seating) and $35.00 (general admission), are on sale and available to purchase at www.ThePalladium.net or the Palladium box office (general admission only), or by contacting Jose Rivera (elgallojar@gmail.com/508.864.6954),  AJ Rivera  (anthoneerivera@gmail.com/774.272.2269) of any of the fighters.  A portion of the proceeds will go to Why Me & Sherry’s House.
Major event sponsors include Lundgren Honda, Atty. Michael H. Erlich, Atty. Maria M. Rivera-Cotto and USANA Health Services. Other sponsors are TKO Auto Repair and Atty. Stephen W. Debs.
INFORMATION:  
Facebook.com/RiveraPromotionsEntertainment
Twitter: @RiveraPromoEnt @joseriverachamp
boxing

King’s Promotions sign junior welterweight prospect Clarence Booth plus undefeated bantamweight Dagoberto Aguero to promotional deals 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reading, PA (January 11, 2017)- Marshall Kauffman’s King’s Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of junior welterweight prospect Clarence Booth as well as undefeated bantamweight Dagoberto Aguero to promotional contracts.
“These are two quality fighters that we are excited to add to the King’s Promotions roster,”said CEO of King’s Promotions, Marshall Kauffman.
“They both have big upsides and we are eager to keep them active and get them into big fights, which will come sooner rather then later.”
Booth of Saint Petersburg, Florida has a record of 14-2 with 7 knockouts.
Clarence Booth signs the contract
The 29 year-old Booth had a brief 28 fight amateur career.

He turned pro in 2011 with a four round unanimous decision over Tommy Bryant.

Booth has showed a willingness to fight all comers as he taken on 4 undefeated foes, which includes scraps with top prospects Cletus Seldin and Alex Saucedo.
Booth has victories over Luis Joel Gonzalez (11-2-1); Osenohan Vazquez (8-2-1); Jonathan Perez (5-0) and Marcus Powell (1-0).
Booth is coming off a 8-round unanimous decision over Cesar Soriano on July 2nd in Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Booth has facilitated his training by becoming a regular sparring partner to undefeated WBA Welterweight champion Keith Thurman.

“I am excited about this opportunity.  I love that Marshall has faith in me, and I am ready to get on the road to winning a world title.  Marshall will have my best interest in doing that, and I am ready to work.  I hope to fight for some type of title by the end of the year.  I am putting my opponents to sleep.  It would be great to end the year with a title fight through King’s Promotions,” said Booth.
Aguero of San Cristobal, Domincan Republic has a record of 10-0 with 8 knockouts.
The 23 year-old turned professional on August 8, 2013 with technical decision over Jonathan Vidal Sanchez.  He has fought every one of his bouts in his native country, and will make his American debut shortly.
He is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Juan Miguel Garcia on June 24th,  He has stopped his last 6 opponents.
“I’m excited to fight first of all, and I very happy and thankful to be doing it with people that are like my family,”said Aguero.  “My Manager Nelson Lopez Jr. RAYNELO management and Nelson Lopez Sr of Nelsons Promotions told me we need to be working with Marshall Kauffman of Kings Promotions and what they says goes. In my country, it’s no secret, we are poor looking for an opportunity with out knowledge of the business. Nelson López and King Promotions are providing me this, and I will fight every fight like a championship fight to show my appreciation and make sure to make the most of this gift that God has given me. Thank you to my team and family.”
boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Spike TV

Erislandy Lara vs Yuri Foreman  Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos

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Premier Boxing Champions on Spike
 
Super Welterweight World Title Showdown Headlines Action
Friday, January 13 from Hialeah Park Racing & Casino in Miami
 
Click HERE for Photos from Eduardo Maldonado/Warriors Boxing
 
MIAMI (January 11, 2017) – Super welterweight world champion Erislandy Lara and former world champion Yuri Foreman met face to face Wednesday as they hosted the final press conference before they enter the ring in the main event of Premier Boxing Championson Spike this Friday, January 13 from Hialeah Park Racing and Casino in Miami.
Also in attendance at Wednesday’s press conference was former world champion Anthony Dirrell and Hungary’s Norbert Nemesapati, who meet in a 10-round super middleweight bout Friday night on Spike. Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated prospects Miguel Cruz, who attended today’s press conference,and Alex Martinin welterweight action.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing, are priced at $25, $35, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable fees, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.myticketforce.com by clicking HERE, by phone at (877) 840-0457or at the Hialeah Park casino cage.
Here is what the participants had to say from the Turf Club at Hialeah Park:
ERISLANDY LARA
“Thank you everyone for coming, especially Spike TV and Hialeah Park. Thanks to Team Foreman for taking this fight. It’s going to be a great fight Friday night.
“Yuri Foreman is a great fighter and a very smart fighter. I am also a very smart fighter, so Friday night we’re going to find out who is the smarter one in the ring.
“I feel great. Very happy to be back in Miami in front of my Cuban and Latin fans. This is a great night for Miami and Spike and I plan on putting on a show and making a statement to the boxing world.
“I feel great. I’m in great shape and feel very strong. I’m ready to fight right now. I just want the bell to ring.”
YURI FOREMAN
“It’s great to be here in Miami where it’s nice and warm and with so many great fighters on this card. I’m ready and looking forward to Friday. I came here to win and I feel very positive about this.
“Erislandy Lara is a great fighter, but me being from the Soviet Union, I’m very familiar with Cuban boxing and have quite a bit of experience with their style, so I’m looking forward to stepping in and showcasing my talents and skills.
“Being a rabbi, it is sometimes very interesting to mix that with fighting, but Friday night I won’t be in rabbi mode. I will be all fighter. We are going to show skills and heart and power on Friday night.”
ANTHONY DIRRELL
“I think this is my third Spike event and I’m happy to be fighting on a show with two great fighters like Lara and Foreman.
“It’s going to be a hell of a show. We are going to put on a great show. All the fights on the card are tremendous fights – undefeated fighters fighting undefeated fighters and champions fighting champions and we are all coming to win.
“I was going to talk a lot of trash to him (Nemespati), but he can’t understand me anyway. I am looking forward to a great fight against a good opponent like him. Make sure you tune in on Friday and catch the action!”
NORBERT NEMESAPATI
“I am coming in as the smaller fighter, so I will have to put a lot of pressure on him. I sparred a lot of rounds for this fight, with a lot of tall guys. That’s fine with me that he is taller because I love to punch to the body.
“I might never get another opportunity like this, so I have to make the most of it. This is a beautiful place and I’m coming to the ring to win big. Thank you for this very special opportunity.”
MIGUEL CRUZ
“I wish that Alex Martin was here so I could talk a little smack to his face.
“13-0, 11 KOs vs. 13-0, 5 KOs… basically somebody’s ‘0’ has to go and I can give you a hint… it’s not going to be mine.
“I’m going to crush him like an ant with a sledgehammer. I’m going to destroy him. That’s the plan. Don’t miss it.”
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @YForeman, @AnthonyDirrell, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @WarriorsBoxingProm and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.  PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
559 Fights, Amateur MMA

Amateur MMA at The Visalia Convention Center

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559 Fights Ruiz vs. Elizondo is back at The Visalia Convention Center for 559 Fights Saturday, Jan. 21! Doors open at 6, first fight is at 7. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased at the Visalia Convention Center or www.559fights.com

VIP Info – text or call 559-813-0307

Official Fight Card – Camo MMA

559 Fights 53 is brought to you by Swanson Fahrney Ford!

559 Fights Amateur Promotion of The Year from FU News!
In case you missed all the action…
Watch the new 559 Fights #53 Promo Video
Check out the 559 Fights #52 Highlight video
559 FIGHTS #52 Andrew Chatman VS Aaron Mathis
Watch Andrew Chatman in action against Aaron Mathis at 559 Fights #52 Main Event!
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Get your 559 Swag from our Facebook Store! Perfect for past fighters looking to commemorate your career with 559!

The 5th Quarter in Visalia will be the Official Weighin location for fight 53!

The 5th Quarter in Visalia will also be the place to be for what will be an epic After Party immediately following Fight 53!
Combate Americas, mixed martial arts, MMA

COMBATE AMERICAS APPOINTS FINANCE AND SPORTS INDUSTRY LEADER JOE PLUMERI BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN

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First Data Vice Chairman, former Willis Group Holdings Chairman and CEO, and N.Y. Yankees minor league affiliate team owner sets his sights on the surging Hispanic millennial demographic and world’s fastest growing sport

NEW YORK, January 11 — Combate Americas, the premier Hispanic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) sports and media franchise, today announced the appointment of its lead investor, longtime financial services and sports industry entrepreneur and philanthropist Joe Plumeri, as its non-executive, board of directors chairman.

Plumeri, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for payment processing technology giant First Data, former chairman and CEO of Willis Group Holdings, former CEO of Citibank, North America and former President and Managing Partner of Shearson Lehman Brothers, as well as the owner of the New York Yankees minor league affiliate team, The Trenton Thunder, will sit on the board alongside Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) co-founder and Combate Americas CEO Campbell McLaren, and three of Plumeri’s fellow strategic investors.

Plumeri’s appointment comes on the heels of Combate Americas closing its series B round of financing.

“We are honored and excited to name such an esteemed and accomplished member of the business community like Joe Plumeri as the chairman of our board of directors and to have him play such a pivotal role in this movement we have created to serve the Hispanic millennial audience,” said McLaren, who launched Combate Americas in 2013 as a first-to-market venture that essentially combined his UFC pioneer experience with his storied background in television production.

“I am looking forward to this next chapter in my career that will allow me to focus on one of the last centers of growth in the U.S. economy – the emerging and exploding Hispanic demographic – through an incredible, first-to-market sports entertainment and media property that Campbell and his team have built with Combate Americas,” said Plumeri.

Prior to his role with First Data, Plumeri guided Willis Group Holdings for nearly 13 years to enormous value creation.   He also served as President of Smith Barney, Vice Chairman of Travelers and Chairman and CEO of Primerica during his tenure with Citigroup.

As a philanthropist, Plumeri was named Humanitarian of the Year in 2006 after contributing the largest gift in history to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to fund the construction of the New Jersey headquarters of the non-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children with life-threatening diseases.

Plumeri is also responsible for funding the creation of business scholarships, athletic scholarships and annual faculty excellence awards at his alma mater, The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., where the baseball stadium, Plumeri Park, is named after his father. He also donated money to New York Law School to help create the Joe Plumeri Center for Social Justice and Economic Opportunity.

Combate Americas also recently announced a new company president in Alberto “El Presidente” Rodriguez, formerly Alberto Del Rio of the WWE, and a new television partnership that has its fight programming airing in over 135 million homes weekly on Azteca America in the U.S. and Mexico’s TV Azteca S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: AZTECA; Latibex: XTZA), one of the two largest producers of Spanish-language television programming in the world.

For the first time in history, Combate Americas will head outside of the U.S. – to Mexico City, Mexico – with its live event series on Thursday, Jan. 19 when it will present a 10-bout fight card live on Azteca America and UFC FIGHT PASS®.  The event will air the following evening, Friday, Jan. 20 on TV Azteca.
boxing

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna to battle Eduardo Flores on Saturday, January 28th at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

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Chuck Mussachio takes on Michael Mitchell in co-feature

Plus undefeated Quian Davis, Dan Murray, Dallas Holden and Yurik Mamedov in action
*PRESS CONFERENCE, FRI. JAN 20TH AT THE CLARIDGE AT 4 PM*
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (January 11, 2017) – Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will battle veteran Eduardo Flores eight-round junior middleweight bout on Saturday night, January 28th at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City.
The bout will headline a card promoted by Rising Promotions.
CEO of Rising Promotions Debra LaManna stated, “We are starting 2017 with a tremendous card and we plan on only doing bigger and better things for boxing this year.”

LaManna of Millville, New Jersey has a record of 21-2 with nine knockouts.

The 25 year-old is coming off a defeat to undefeated Dusty Hernandez Harrison in a thrilling bout that took place on September 15th in Philadelphia.

In that bout, LaManna fought a good fight and had solid moments throughout the hotly contested bout that was for the USBA Welterweight title.

LaManna is moving back up to the 154 pound division where LaManna is undefeated (7-0 between 148-154 pounds) in the division for which he turned professional in 2011.

LaManna won his first 16 bouts, where enjoyed wins over Ashanti Gibbs and Jamaal Davis.

After suffering his first professional defeat to undefeated middleweight prospect Antoine Douglas, LaManna ripped off five consecutive victories that was highlighted by by a 4th round stoppage over Kendal Mena (20-3).
“I’m looking forward to displaying my boxing skills against this rugged veteran,” said LaManna He’s been in the ring with a lot of good fighters and former world champions, but never been in there with me. I feel my height, youth and size will play a big role in this fight but it’s all about making adjustments and fighting the smartest fight possible to get the win.”
“My last fight, I took a L but that stands for “Lesson” and since that lesson, I’ve been training extremely hard and I’m very focus at this task at hand.”

Flores of Quito, Ecuador is a 52-fight veteran and sports a record of 25-24-3 with 15 knockouts.
The 30 year-old Flores is a 10 year professional, who has taken on the best fighters in the 135-154 pound divisions such as former world champions Carlos Baldomir, Diego Chaves  & Kermit Cintron as well as 19 other undefeated opponents, for which Flores had three wins and a draw.
Flores is coming off a six-round unanimous decision defeat to undefeated Sammy Valentin (9-0) on November 18th in Kissimmee, Florida.
In the six-round co-feature, light heavyweight Chuck Mussachio (19-3-2, 5 KO’s) of Wildwood, New Jersey will fight Michael Mitchell (3-7-2, 1 KO) of Paterson, New Jersey.

Mitchell has faced terrific competition and has only been stopped once, and has fought four undefeated fighters.

Also scheduled to appear in a six-round bout will be:
Super Middleweight Gabriel Pham (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ. takes on Jose Valderrama (5-17, 3 KO’s) of Manati, Puerto Rico.

John Bauza (5-0, 2 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ will battle Tyrome Jones (4-0, 1 KO) of South Bend, Indiana in a battle of undefeated junior welterweights.

In four-round bouts:
Ernesto Perez of Vineland, NJ will make his pro debut against Courtney McCleave (2-5, 1 KO) of Concord, North Carolina in a junior middleweight bout.
Jamil Simmons of Pleasantville, NJ will make his pro debut against Tomas Romain (0-1) of Brooklyn, NY in a lightweight bout.
Bantamweight Dallas Holden of Atlantic City (1-0) will take on pro debuting Matthew Lyall of Pleasantville, NJ.
Quian Davis (4-0-2) of Mays Landing, New Jersey battles Demonte Cherry (1-2,1 KO) of North Carolina in a heavyweight bout.

Emmnuel Rodriguez of Quebradillias, Puerto Rico will make his pro debut against Weusi Johnson (1-2) of Wilmington, Delaware in a bantamweight bout.

Dan Murray (1-0) of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey squares off with Nahir Albright (0-1) of Sicklerville, New Jersey in a junior welterweight bout.

Also scheduled to compete in four-round bouts will be junior welterweight Bryne Green (7-9-1, 3 KO’s) of Paulsboro, NJ &  welterweight Yurik Mamedov (3-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY against opponents to be announced.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $125, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.RSPboxing.com 
THERE WILL BE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 20TH IN ATLANTIC CITY–DETAILS TO FOLLOW
 
boxing

Several Match-ups Announced for Detroit Brawl on Sunday, January 22 in Detroit

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Several match-ups have been announced for promoter Dmitriy Salita’s special Sunday edition of his “Detroit Brawl” series on January 22, 2017, at Masonic Temple in Detroit.
In the night’s eight-round main event, Detroit’s perennial welterweight gate keeper and fan favorite Lanardo “Pain Server” Tyner (30-10-2, 19 KOs) will face Nagykanizsa, Hungary’s Istvan Dernanecz (10-4, 7 KOs).
Although Tyner’s original opponent, Wesley Tucker, was forced to withdraw with a training injury, his willingness to trade with anyone means he’s never in a bad fight. 19-year-old Dernanecz has said he’s coming across the ocean to take a giant step up in pro career with a victory over Tyner.
In the co-main event, Detroit bantamweight action hero James Gordon Smith (11-0, 6 KOs) will take on Kiskunfelegyhaza, Hungary’s Szilveszter Ajtai (10-3-1, 5 KOs). Following in Tyner’s footsteps, Smith’s fights are becoming must-see affairs in the Motor City and this international match-up should further his growing reputation.
In one of the main supporting bouts, cruiserweight Alexey Zubov (13-1, 8 KOs), from Magnitogorsk, Russia, will face Budapest, Hungary’s Andras Csomor (18-14-1, 14 KOs).
Also seeing action will be former cruiserweight world title challenger “Hurricane” Junior Wright (15-2-1, 12 KOs) from Evanston, Illinois, making his heavyweight debut against Detroit’s Damon McCreary (15-6, 11 KOs) in an eight-rounder.
In a bantamweight four-rounder, undefeated bantamweight Jarico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (4-0, 3 KOs) will take on Chicago’s Angel Carvajal (2-5).
In a welterweight four, Detroit’s rejuvenated “Lightning” Larry Ventus (7-11-1, 3 KOs) will face Florida’s iron-jawed Jesus Lule (9-20-1, 1 KO).
Popular and undefeated super welterweight Ardreal Holmes (4-0, 2 KOs) of Flint, Michigan, is scheduled to fight Ohio’s Bryan Goldsby (3-1).
Match-ups featuring Toledo super middleweight DeAndre Ware (8-0, 6 KOs); undefeated Detroit heavyweight Marcus Carter (1-0, 1 KO); and undefeated Alabama super featherweight Dewayne Zeigler (5-0-1, 5 KOs) are yet to be announced.
Once again sponsored by the Greektown Casino Hotel, tickets for “Detroit Brawl” are priced at VIP $123, Box Seats are $80 and $60, Seating is $40, and $20. They are available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
On fight night, doors open at 4:00 pm and the fights begin at 5:00 pm. The Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple Street in Detroit.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visit www.salitapromotions.com. Facebook and Twitter: @DetroitBrawl