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boxing

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna returns to action 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, John Bauza, Dan Murray and Yurik Mamedov in action
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (December 22, 2016) – Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna will return ti the ring in an 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.

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 excited to be getting back in the ring at The Claridge! It’s like my adopted home in Atlantic City and the whole staff over there have been nothing but great to me and my Rising Star Promotions crew,” said LaManna. “My last fight with Dusty was a rough one for me, I feel I was robbed of a decision win or at least a draw. I took some time off, enjoyed time with family and friends but I’ve been training for the passed 2 months and camp has been going really well.”
“This is my second fight with new trainer Ray McCline and we expect to put on a show come January 28th.”
“I’m looking for big fights in 2017, possibly another title fight and TV exposure but my main focus is on January 28th.”

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:
Junior Welterweight John Bauza (5-0, 2 KO’s) of North Bergen, NJ & super middleweight Gabriel Pham (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Pleasantville, NJ.
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.
Also scheduled to compete in four-round bouts will be heavyweight Quian Davis (4-0-2) of Mays Landing, NJ; junior welterweight Bryne Green (7-9-1, 3 KO’s) of Paulsboro, NJ; junior welterweight Dan Murray (1-0) of Lanoka, NJ; welterweight Yurik Mamedov (3-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, NY & bantamweight Dallas Holden (1-0) of Atlantic City.
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
 
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE WILL BE ON THE LINE AT NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 22, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of an amateur light-heavyweight title bout to the card.  Ryan Glover (3-1) will defend his belt against the challenge of undefeated Victor Irwin (2-0).

 

Glover won the title one year ago at “NEF 21” with a second-round submission of Mike Williams (2-1).  He would take the rest of 2016 off from MMA competition to deal with family obligations.  Glover was a state wrestling champion out of Mountain Valley High School (MVHS) in Rumford, Maine where he also won a state championship in football.  He began training in MMA two years ago, joining Berserkers MMA in Rumford, a team heavy in MVHS alum.

 

“I’m happy to get back in the cage after a long layoff and defend my belt,” said Glover.  “I was busy taking care of my family, but now it’s time to remind folks why I am NEF’s best 205er.”

 

Like his opponent, Victor Irwin is also a former Maine state wrestling champion, having won a title while at Brewer High School in Brewer, Maine.  In 2014, as a freshman, Irwin created a wrestling program at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC).  He went to Nationals that year and achieved All-American status.  Irwin is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.  His previous appearances in the NEF cage have been impressive – both first round finishes.

 

“I am really excited to have been given a shot at the title,” said Irwin.  “Fighting Ryan will be a great challenge and opportunity for me to improve my skill set.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing

Decorated amateur boxer Mohammed Rabii To make pro debut Feb. 18 at home in Morocco

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CASABLANCA, Morocco (December 21, 2016) – Moroccan amateur boxing sensation Mohammed Rabii will make his long anticipated professional debut February 18, fighting at home in Casablanca, at the Complexe de Sportif Mohammed V Arena.
The 23-year-old Rabii represented Morocco at this year’s Olympic Games in Brazil, where he captured a bronze medal in the welterweight division, losing a disputed decision (0-3) in the semifinals to Uzebek boxer Shakhram Giyasov, who then lost (0-3) in the championship final to Daniyar Yeleussinov.  Rabii had defeated Yeleussinov, of Kazakhstan, in the gold-medal championship bout of the AIBA World Amateur Championships.  An average of 6 million Moroccans viewed each of Rabbi’s Olympic matches, providing testimony to his celebrity status back home.
A gifted orthodox fighter, Rabii was the past World Series of Boxing Fighter of the Year, who  signed an exclusive, multi-year managerial contract last October with Nowhere2Hyde Management, which is owned and operated by international manager Gary Hyde, of Cork, Ireland.
“We are delighted to have signed one of the best amateur boxers in the world,” Hyde said.  “Mohammed has a great style with knockout power in both hands. He will kick-star his pro career in front of his adoring fans in Casablanca February 18th.  He is a national hero, so, the plan is to take full advantage by building him up at home in Morocco.”
Two other boxers managed by Hyde, former World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight Simpiwe Vetyeka and middleweight Gevorg Khatchikian, will fight in the main event and co-feature, respectively, against opponents to be determined.
Vetyeka (29-3, 17 KOs), fighting out of South Africa, is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBA.   The only two pro losses for Khatchikian (24-2, 12 KOs), a Netherlander, have been to present super middleweight world champions James Degale (IBF) and Gilberto Ramirez (WBO).
Tickets are now on sale for the Feb. 18 show in Casablanca, in which Rabii will be supported by three other Moroccan fighters.
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @nowheretohyde,

Facebook: www.facebook.com/garyhyde, www.facebook.com/mohammadrabii
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

2016 FIGHTER OF THE YEAR LOOKS TO CARRY MOMENTUM INTO NEW YEAR

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Lewiston, Maine (December 21, 2016) –New England Fights (NEF) returns to the Androscoggin Bank Colisee on February 11, 2017 with its next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE.”  Earlier today, the fight promotion announced the addition of a professional featherweight fight to the card.  Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (4-0) will take on Chris “Game Bred” Jacobs (1-0) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Voted “Fighter of the Year” earlier this week by NEF fans, it would take a Herculean effort to argue that 2016 was not Aaron Lacey’s year.  He made his professional debut in April at “NEF 22” defeating veteran Derek Shorey (4-8) and remained undefeated the rest of the year.  Including his amateur career, Lacey is riding a seven-fight win streak.  He has not lost a fight since the spring of 2014 (his only loss) – close to three years ago.

 

Most recently, Lacey struck down seasoned pro Taylor Trahan (6-7) with a vicious liver kick that made the entire crowd at the Colisee cringe.  A win over Jacobs on February 11 would move Lacey that much closer to signing a contract with a major, national MMA promotion – a fate long predicted by many insiders for the product of Bangor’s Young’s MMA gym.

 

“I’m looking forward to 2017,” said Lacey when reached for comment.  “2016 was a big year for me and I am looking forward to carrying that momentum into the new year on February 11th. Chris Jacobs is a seasoned opponent who is making the trip up from Florida, so he will be prepared. I live in the gym and have been making huge gains, and 2017 will be the year I get to showcase those gains!”

 

Jacobs is based out of DeLand, Florida.  “NEF 27” will see him make his first trip to compete in Maine, but Jacobs is no stranger to the MMA cage.  He put together an impressive record of 8-3 as an amateur, including capturing a regional title on a fight card in nearby Daytona Beach.  Jacobs won his pro debut earlier this year in Tampa.  He is looking forward to facing tough competition in the form of Lacey.

 

“I must give thanks and praise to the most high for putting me in this position to fight in Maine,” said Jacobs. “It’s a blessing. It’s an honor to fight someone of a high caliber and stature like Aaron Lacey.  I look forward to coming up there and competing with a top level athlete.”

 

NEF’s next event, “NEF 27: RESURGENCE” takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7 p.m.  Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009, extension 525.

 

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

 

About New England Fights

New England Fights (“NEF”) is a fight events promotions company. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for Maine’s fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

boxing

IBF Flyweight World Champion John Riel Casimero to Relinquish Title and Campaign at Super Flyweight

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Former IBF World Light Flyweight and current IBF Flyweight World Champion John Riel “Quadro Alas” Casimero and his team have made the decision to relinquish his title and campaign in the super flyweight division.
Casimero (23-3, 15 KOs), who stopped Englishman Charlie Edwards in 10 rounds last September at the O2 Arena in London, will now go gunning for the 115-lb division’s top dogs including IBF World Champion Jerwin Acajas and Nicaragua’s Román “Chocolatito” González.
26-year-old Casimero, from Cebu City, Philippines, says he’s looking forward to the opportunity to join the greats of Philippines boxing.
“To win my third title would be a great honor for me and put my name in with some of the best fighters my country has ever produced,” said Casimero. “I will be immediately looking to make an impact and fight the big fights that allow me the opportunity.
Casimero’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing, says Casimero is more than ready for the move.

“He’s so strong and he keeps growing,” said Lewkowicz. “It is time for John Riel to move up and secure his place in Philippines boxing history. It is our hope to quickly face Acajas and Chocolatito next year. That is what we will work to make happen.”
boxing, Mayweather Promotions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Get to Know Super Middleweight World Champion Badou Jack

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(Photo Credit: Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME)
 
Jack Meets James DeGale in Super Middleweight World Title Unification Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn & Live on SHOWTIME
 
BROOKLYN (December 20, 2016) – Super middleweight world champion Badou Jackhas endured a long road on the way to his highly anticipated super middleweight world championship unification showdown against James DeGale taking place Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn and live on SHOWTIME.
Jack comes from a unique background for a boxer but has persevered through the same struggles that professional fighters face every day. He’s faced obstacles that few are able to overcome and now, with a huge SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event looming, Jack is on the cusp of stardom.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, start at $25. Tickets are available now and can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.
Take a look below at some interesting facts that have led Jack to his January 14showdown:

1.       Jack was born in Sweden to a Swedish mother and Gambian father. He has 

six siblings — two older sisters, two younger sisters and two younger brothers.

 

2.       He started boxing on his own curiosity and has already gotten some of his 

younger siblings interested in training. Professional boxing was banned in Sweden from 1969 through 2007

 

3.       Began boxing in 2000 and took quickly to the sport before starting his 

international amateur career.

 

4.       Qualified for the 2008 Olympics for Gambia. He remains the only boxer to 

ever represent the country in the Olympics and was the flag-bearer and one of three athletes to represent Gambia at the Beijing games.

5.       Jack is the first Swedish-born man to hold a boxing world title since 

Armand Krajnc held a middleweight title in 2001. The only other Swedish-born world champion was Ingemar Johansson, who famously won the heavyweight world title by knocking Floyd Patterson down seven times in one round on his way to a stoppage in 1959.

 

6.       Came to the U.S. to pursue boxing after the Olympics and first began 

training at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn.

 

7.       Was discovered by former heavyweight world champion Shannon Briggs 

and he temporarily moved to Miami to work with Briggs. He maintains a close relationship with Briggs today.

 

8.       After moving to Las Vegas, Jack met Floyd Mayweather in 2012 while 

sparring Andre Dirrell and eventually signed with Mayweather Promotions.

 

9.       After winning his world title in 2015, he was a finalist for the Swedish 

Athlete of the Year.

 

10.   He traveled to Gambia earlier this year and last year, along with Ishe Smith, 

to deliver training equipment and other donations to the country. 

 
(Photo Credit: Instagram.com/BadouJack)
# # #
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with junior lightweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.
 
Additional action is featured on SHOWTIME EXTREME®and headlined by junior featherweight world champion and Brooklyn-native Amanda Serrano battling former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas. The telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT and features Ievgen Khytrov battling Immanuwel Aleem in a 10-round matchup of undefeated rising contenders.
Barclays Center’s BROOKLYN BOXING™ programming platform is presented by AARP.  For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports follow on Twitter @BadouJack, @JamesDegale1, @Sniper_Pedraza, @Gervontaa, @ShowtimeBoxing, @SSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing

Warriors Congratulates ‘King’ Carlos Molina for Victory Saturday Night and Sensational 2016

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Warriors Boxing sends congratulations out to Former IBF junior middleweight world champion “King” Carlos Molina for winning his sixth consecutive (and fifth this year) fight on Saturday night.
Fighting at the Gran Oasis Arena in Cancun, Mexico, Molina (28-6-2, 8 KOs) won a unanimous shutout (80-72 X3) decision over Diego “Demoledor” Cruz (17-4-1, 13 KOs). The 33-year-old Molina is currently rated #9 at welterweight by the WBC.
“I feel very comfortable at 147; this is my natural weight,” said Molina, post-fight. “I am at weight after working out and I feel faster in my fights. For this fight, I worked on utilizing my jab and being more effective with it. Over all I am happy about how things came together. I will continue to work hard to get back to a world title fight.”
Molina says he likes the hectic schedule he maintained this year, in fighting five times against respectable opposition.
“I want to stay busy. The activity I experienced this year was excellent and I want to continue being busy. I want bigger fights with anyone in the top 10 at 147. I want the fights that will lead to a second world title. I am a problem for anyone at 147 and in 2017, I want to be challenged with the best the division has to offer.”
“Carlos was one of the best in the world at 154,” said his promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing. “But at 147, he could very well be the best in the world. He is a true technician with a difficult style to solve for anyone. Now that he’s bigger and stronger than his opponents, he’s in very serious contention for a second world championship once again. He had a great year and I congratulate him.”
boxing

Free Agent Boxing Management Congratulates Former World Champion Jose Alfredo Rodriguez for Title-Winning Victory

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Team Rodriguez Setting Sights on ‘Chocolatito’
 
José A. Acevedo of Free Agent Boxing Management wishes to congratulate his fighter, Jose Alfredo “Torito” Rodriguez, for winning both the UBF All-Americas and Latino Super Flyweight Championships in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, Virginia, on Saturday (December 10).
 
A former interim WBA Light Flyweight and WBC Youth World Light Flyweight Champion, Rodriguez, now ranked #15 by the IBF, scored an eight-round decision over Puerto Rico’s former WBA Fedecentro Super Flyweight Champion, Edwin “Puto” Rodriguez (8-3, 5 KOs), no relation.
 
The victory marked the first time Sinaloa, Mexico’s Rodriguez had ever competed in the United States.
 
Although the Puerto Rican was able to get inside a few times, Rodriguez used his jab to keep him outside and controlled the action for most of the fight.
 
“Torito got some good rounds in against Rodriguez,” said manager Acevedo. “This will help him brush off that ring rust. I am very happy with his performance. I knew this fight was going to go the distance, because ‘Puto’ is a good fighter. Torito is very strong though, with a bright future ahead of him.”
 
Acevedo says the win was the first step pin his plan to put Rodriguez in his dream fight.
 
“Next we will be looking to fight the best of the best to get Torito back on top. He wants to be champion again and he’ll fight anyone to get there. But the fight he really wants is (current WBC World Super Flyweight Champion Roman) Chocolatito (Gonzalez). That’s who we are gunning for.”
boxing

World ranked middleweight Willie Monroe, Jr. looking for major fights in 2017

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Monroe goes 2-0 in 2016 with wins over two former world title challengers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, Penn./Rochester, New York (Dec. 19, 2016) –Willie Monroe, Jr. is ready for another major opportunity after a year where he defeated two world title challengers.
The native of Rochester, New York scored unanimous decision victories over John Thompson and Gabriel Rosado in 2016 to put himself in position to be mentioned for an early-2017 bout with Canelo Alvarez or a world title opportunity with WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders.  Monroe is also looking for showdowns with contenders David Lemieux and Curtis Stevens.
The recent win over Rosado netted Monroe the WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title.
Sporting a record of 21-2 with 6 knockouts has Monroe ranked number-5 by the WBA, number-8 by the WBO and number-13 by the WBC.
This week, Monroe became a member of #TeamEverlast as a endorser for the legendary Everlast brand.
“I am very thankful to be a part of #TeamEverlast. Joining this elite group of guys is a testament to my hard work and determination being recognized.  I look forward to growing with Everlast in the coming years.”
“2017 is going to be an exciting year,” said Monroe. “I saw what it is like to be on that stage in 2015 when I faced Golovkin for the world title.  This year I beat 2 world title challengers decisively, and now I am looking to keep that momentum and  have a big year.  You will see a lot more fight out of Willie Monroe.  I have already proved myself as a boxer, and this year I will have to show other elements out of Willie Monroe.”
“It was a big stage to fight Golovkin, but I fought on a bigger stage on the Canelo undercard in front of 50,000 people, and I proved that I am one of the top guys in the division.  I will prove that once again in 2017.”
“The most important thing for me is activity in 2017. There are fights to be made; Saunders, Stevens, Lemieux. I would fight all of those guys one after another. My team and I ended 2016 with fireworks; lets continue that show in 2017.”
“Willie put together an amazing 2016 in the final 6 months of the year. I am glad we got the deal with Everlast finalized. This serves as excellent momentum going into 2017,” said Adrian Clark (Strategic Partner to Willie Monroe, Jr.)
“Willie had an outstanding year,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo.  “He showed his resiliency by coming back from the Golovkin fight.  Great fighters take losses and come back stronger, and that is what Willie showed.  He will be in a significant bout in early 2017, and he will prove again that he is one of the top middleweights in the world.”
boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

FIVE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO VS. JAMES KIRKLAND SHOWDOWN SET FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AT FORD CENTER AT THE STAR IN FRISCO, TEXAS

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PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

 

NEW YORK, NY (December 19, 2016) – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions are pleased to announce that Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, February 25, 2017 when he takes on James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Coming off respective losses to Canelo Alvarez, both fighters will be seeking redemption in a 12-round junior middleweight showdown. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Cotto and Kirkland will join Roc Nation Sports and the Dallas Cowboys organization on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. CT for a press conference at Ford Center at The Star to officially announce the fight. This will be the first event of its kind to be held at the state-of-the-art, 510,000 square foot indoor athletic facility shared by the Dallas Cowboys, the City of Frisco, and Frisco ISD’s high schools. Ford Center at The Star is also the home to the Dallas Cowboys Football World Corporate Headquarters.

 

Tickets priced at $304, $204, $154, $104, $79, $54 and $29 not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. local time and will be available at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 and the AT&T Stadium box office.

 

“I’m excited to return to the ring and put on a great show. I can’t wait to start training camp and get ready for February 25,” said Five-Time World Champion Miguel Cotto. “Fighting inside the beautiful Ford Center, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboy’s newest creation, and headlining the first ever boxing event there pumps me with a lot of enthusiasm and energy.”

 

“I’m very excited to get back into the ring against a legend like Miguel Cotto. I’m going to train like never before so I can show the world that the old James Kirkland is back,” said James Kirkland. “You know the fight will be exciting while it lasts. February 25 can’t come soon enough.”

 

“Miguel Cotto is back and ready to put on an exciting show against the always tough James Kirkland,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “We can’t wait to see Miguel back in the ring on February 25 on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

 

“On behalf of Roc Nation Sports, we are so thrilled about Miguel Cotto’s return to the ring and to bring the first public event to Ford Center at The Star,” said Michael Yormark, Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy. “This will undoubtedly be a historic event with an exciting, all-action bout in store for the fans in Frisco and all of North Texas along with those watching from home on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

 

“We are excited to host an incredible matchup for the very first boxing match here at Ford Center at The Star,” said Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager. “This venue was designed with the idea of versatility in mind, and we expect a great crowd in Frisco, Texas to experience a world class fight between Miguel Cotto and James Kirkland.”

 

“Throughout his brilliant ring career, Miguel Cotto has never backed down from a challenge and on February 25 he takes on a dangerous knockout specialist in James Kirkland,” said Tony Walker, Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View. “Fans watching live in Frisco and those tuning in on pay-per-view should not blink in what should be an all-action slugfest.”

 

Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) is a former WBC and Ring Magazine middleweight world champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes. He previously held the WBO junior welterweight world title, the WBA welterweight world title, the WBO welterweight world title and the WBA super welterweight world title. He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Cotto has competed in 24 world championship fights, compiling a record of 19-5 with 16 knockouts in those bouts. In Puerto Rico, he is hailed as a national hero and the successor of Felix “Tito” Trinidad as the island’s most revered boxer. Cotto is one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing and one of the largest pay-per-view draws among active fighters. In June 2014, Cotto made history in his first fight as a middleweight by dominating Argentine southpaw and defending WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez. He is trained by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and has fought some of the biggest names in the sport including Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Cotto owns his own boxing promotional company in Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto Promotions, and presides over his charity La Fundación El Ángel de Miguel Cotto, a non-profit organization dedicated to combatting childhood obesity. In March 2015, Cotto and Roc Nation Sports announced that they had entered into a partnership that includes a co-promotional agreement with Miguel Cotto Promotions to promote Cotto’s fights. On June 6, 2015, Cotto defended his WBC, Ring Magazine and lineal middleweight world championships against former two-time World Champion Daniel Geale at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Cotto scored a thunderous knockdown early in the fourth round before finishing matters with a second knockdown midway through the round, which left Geale unable to continue. On November 21, 2015, Cotto cemented his status as one of the biggest pay-per-view draws among active fighters in his much anticipated mega-fight against Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, despite going the distance for a twelve-round unanimous decision loss. The hard-fought bout has been dubbed as the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry. The Five-Time World Champion is eager to return to the ring against James Kirkland on February 25.

 

A Texas titan, representing the city of Austin, 32-year-old southpaw James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs) has built his reputation with explosive power. His fists have accounted for 28 knockout victories over the course of his nearly 14-year professional career. A former NABO and WBC Continental Americas Champion, Kirkland bounced back from his lone defeat against Nobuhiro Ishida in 2011 with five consecutive wins, four coming by way of knockout. Kirkland has defeated Brian Vera, Alfredo “Perro” Angulo and Carlos “King” Molina and handed Glen “Jersey Boy” Tapia his first professional loss by way of a punishing sixth round technical knockout, prior to taking the stage for a 12-round super welterweight war with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on May 9, 2015 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.

 

Cotto vs. Kirkland is a 12-round junior middleweight fight presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions and Ford Center at The Star, and is sponsored by Corona Extra.

 

For more information, please visit www.throneboxing.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter @rocnation and Instagram @rocnationsports and on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation.

 

For more information, visit www.hbo.com/boxing, follow on Twitter and Instagram at @HBOBoxing and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

 

Follow the conversation using #CottoKirkland.

 

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