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Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, MMA, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT SCHEDULED FOR NEF 27

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Lewiston, Maine (December 5, 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 bout to the card.  Josh “Hook On” Harvey (2-0) will meet Richie Collingham (3-3) at a fight weight of 145-pounds.

 

Harvey is a former NEF MMA Amateur Lightweight Champion.  He turned pro in 2016 after a stellar amateur career that saw him amass a record of 5-1 while facing some of the best the region has to offer.  In his pro debut, Harvey submitted Matt Denning (3-4) in Lewiston last spring.  He would follow up that victory with a win over Zenon Herrera (0-5) in August.  Harvey is a member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine.

 

“I’m training for the fight I want, and this opponent is just one more step closer to where I am going,” said Harvey of the upcoming bout with Collingham. “Wishing him a healthy training camp and that he shows up.”

 

When Richie Collingham steps foot in the NEF cage on February 11 it will have been nearly a decade since his last fight.  Now training out of Lakes Region Vale Tudo in New Hampshire, Collingham has not actively competed since 2007.  He was very active on the California MMA circuit at that time and put together a string of submission victories.

 

“I’m very excited about stepping into the cage with a tough fighter like Josh Harvey and fighting for NEF and putting on a good show for everyone,” said Collingham.  “I’m putting in hard work and February 11th can’t come soon enough.”

 

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.”

 

boxing

On the Verge of Boxing Stardom, Menard Ready for Tough Challenge Against Beltran

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Rayne, Louisiana’s “Rock Hard Mighty” Mason Menard (32-1, 24 KOs) knows he’s in for a tough challenge when he makes the first defense of his WBO NABO Lightweight Championship against fellow top-10 contender Ray Beltran (31-7-1, 19 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, December 10, at CenturyLink Center Omaha in Omaha, Neb.
The 10-round Menard vs. Beltran lightweight showdown will serve as the middle bout of an HBO World Championship Boxing tripleheader (9:35 p.m. ET/PT) that will open with the same-day delay telecast of the Joseph Parker vs. Andy Ruiz, Jr. WBO heavyweight championship in New Zealand.
Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with TGB Promotions, the exciting event will be headlined by undefeated World Junior Welterweight Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter TERENCE “Bud” CRAWFORD (29-0, 20 KOs), of Omaha, Neb., making  the first defense of his unified World Boxing Organization (WBO) / World Boxing Council (WBC) /Ring magazine 140-pound world titles against one-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contender
JOHN MOLINA JR. (29-6, 23 KOs), from Covina, Calif.
 
Remaining reserved seat tickets to the Crawford – Molina world championship event, priced at $27, $52, $77 and $127, can be purchased at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets.  To charge-by-phone call (800) 745-3000.  To order online, visitticketmaster.com.
 
“I know Beltran has been around a long time and he’s fought at the top level many times. He is very tough and I know he will bring it,” said Menard.
The 28-year-old Menard punched his way into world contention this year with a pair of high-profile knockouts. In April of this year, he scored one for the highlight reels by starching formerly undefeated Eudy Bernardo with one punch in round three. Video HERE.
Then in August, he returned with another KO, this time against well-regarded Uzbekistani Bahodir Mamadjonov in the ninth round. Video HERE.
“2016 has been a great year for me,” he continued. “I’ve had two consecutive KO’s on national television and one is a candidate for ‘Knockout of the Year.’ I also won an award from the WBO in Puerto Rico. Now this fight has fallen into my lap and I will make the best of this opportunity.”
Another impressive victory for Menard would land him in world title contention… a fact not lost on the excited slugger. “Landing this fight is big for me and my career. A win here should put me in position to fight for a world title next. It should open doors me and make me a serious contender in the lightweight division.”
Menard is taking this tough challenge on relatively short notice, but says he’s in great shape and will be fully prepared for battle on December 10. “Yes, I am ready. I was already training to fight December 15. It’s now or never. I believe God has blessed me with this fight because I’ve been praying for a big one to get me to the next level.”
The Menard vs. Beltran bout is presented by Top Rank in association with Greg Cohen Promotions. The CenturyLink Center Omaha is located at455 North 10th Street in Omaha, Nebraska.
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For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, ortwitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #CrawfordMolina to join the conversation on Twitter.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

DARRION CALDWELL TAKES REMATCH WITH JOE TAIMANGLO, EARNS TITLE SHOT AGAINST EDUARDO DANTAS

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Complete Event Photos Here

THACKERVILLE, OK. (Dec. 3, 2016) – In the evening’s bantamweight main event, Darrion Caldwell (10-1) redeemed himself with a decisive unanimous decision (30-27 x3) win over Joe Taimanglo (23-7-1). The three-round battle capped off Bellator MMA’s massive doubleheader at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, OK.

With the win, Caldwell improves his record in the Bellator MMA cage to 7-1 and opens the door for a bantamweight world title clash with current division champion Eduardo Dantas. “Dudu,” of course, protected his belt just last night with a one-sided affair against Joe Warren in the first night of the promotion’s epic doubleheader.

After the fight, Caldwell and Dantas exchanged words inside the cage, as “The Wolf” announced his desire for the belt: “I look forward to fighting you. It’s been a long time coming.”

Featherweight Co-Main Event Lives up to Hype as Teixeira Outlasts Lawrence

It took 15 minutes to determine a winner, but in the end John Teixeira (21-1-2) notched a unanimous decision victory (29-28, 30-27 x2) over Justin Lawrence (9-4) on Saturday night. The Brazilian veteran peppered away with a combination of jabs and kicks that severely damaged Lawrence’s lead leg throughout the bout. “Macapa” continues to dominate the featherweight division, earning victories in nine of his last 10 contests, including one draw. Since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2014, Teixeira has won each of his four fights, maintaining his position among the 145-pound elite.

Flyweight Marathon Ends in Unanimous Decision Victory for Undefeated MacFarlane

 

Following three hard-fought rounds inside WinStar World Casino, Ilima-Lei MacFarlane (5-0) emerged victorious with a (30-27, 29-28 x2) win over Emily Ducote (4-2). McFarlane was able to withstand an early barrage of strikes from Ducote, preserving her unblemished professional mark. “The Ilimanator” relied heavily on her accurate striking, as the 26-year-old Californian landed a remarkable 68% of her punches thrown. For the budding star Ducote, the loss is just her first of the year, following four consecutive victories to begin her campaign.

Njokuani Upsets Fialho With a Bang, Hands Portuguese Superstar First Loss of Career

 

In the first Spike-televised bout of the evening, Chidi Njokuani (16-4, 1 NC) delivered a brutal first round knockout against Andre Fialho(7-1) that came just 21 seconds into the contest. A flurry of Njokuani punches sent Fialho to the canvas and the 27-year-old took care of the rest. Dating back to 2012, “Chidi Bang Bang” has recorded wins in 11of his last 12 bouts and extends his current winning streak to seven. Of Njokuani’s 16 career victories, 10 have come by way of knockout, making him one of the most feared strikers in the stacked welterweight division. The young Portuguese star Fialho tastes defeat for the first time in his career and will look to redeem himself at the start of the new year.

Preliminary Card Results:

Jarod Trice (1-0) defeated Tommie Britton (0-1) via majority decision (28-28, 30-25, 30-26)

Jonathan Gary (12-7-2) defeated Aaron Roberson (5-5) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Justin Patterson (8-1) defeated Codale Ford (11-9) via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Fernando Gonzalez (1-0) defeated Chris Hicks (3-9) via knockout at :15 of round one

Bronson St. Romaine (1-0) defeated Joey Soto (0-2) via unanimous decision (28-27, 29-28, 29-28)

boxing, Mayweather Promotions

ASHLEY “TREASURE” THEOPHANE GETS THE WIN OVER YAKABU AMIDU BY UNANIMOUS DECISION IN MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS SIN CITY SHOWDOWN

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Photo Credit: Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
Click HERE for Photos from Idris Erba/Mayweather Promotions
LAS VEGAS (Dec. 3, 2016) – Ashley “Treasure” Theophane (40-7-1, 11KO’s ) faced Yakabu Amidu (19-9-2, 17 KO’s ) in 10 rounds of action in the main event of Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown Friday night. Theophane came out focused and on cue with his game plan, he was able to deflect most of Amidu’s punches and break his opponent down. It was a steady 10 rounds of action, Theophane was able to break Amidu down with consistent jabs and body punches aiming consistently at his target, round after round. Amidu struggled to read Theophane, which ultimately led to Theophane to his 40th win, by way of unanimous decision.
“It feels great to have a career that’s lasted this long, he made it easy to stick to my game plan. I listened to my corner who guided me and kept me on track, I couldn’t be happier with the decision,” said Theophane.
“I knew he was going to be a good opponent, I didn’t perform my best,” says Amidu. “This fight should have been in my favor, but in the end the judges decided the winner.”
Leading up to the main event, was a fast-paced blow-by-blow welterweight exchange between Mayweather Promotions’ power-puncher Maurice Lee (7-1, 3 KO’s) and Cameron Kreal (9-12-2, 1 KO). As soon as the first bell rang Krael jumped out his corner quickly putting the pressure on Lee, while Lee searched to find his groove. Krael kept delivering punches, forcing Lee to fight on the defense. By the beginning of the fifth round, Lee found an opening, landing jabs and uppercuts affecting Krael. Ultimately, Lee couldn’t seem to land enough of what normally seems like easy jabs against the quick moving and strong Cameron Krael. After 6 rounds of action the judges saw the bout in favor of Krael by unanimous decision, giving Lee the first loss of his career.
“I only had one week to prepare for this fight, the results ultimately showed how much more experience and fights under my belt, I had over my opponent,” says Krael. “I broke him down round by round, he never had a chance.”
“My game plan was to box smart, I knew he had a lot of experience so I knew I had to be smart in the ring.” Lee reflects on his performance and goes on to say, “I thought the fight was a lot closer than what the judges ruled. I definitely could have thrown more punches. We both took a lot of punches in the end. This was a learning experience and I just gotta come back harder.”
The night began with a full Mayweather Promotions showcase serving back-to-back, non-stop undercard action. Newly signed lightweight amateur Rolando Romero (1-0, 1 KO)got the first win of his career in the first round, by TKO against David Courtney(1-5, 1KO) after only one minute and eleven seconds of action. Also making his Mayweather Promotions debut Oluwafemi “The Eagle” Oyeleye (1-0) got the first win of his career, by way of unanimous decision in a 4-round Jr. middleweight showdown against Brian True (1-5, 1 KO). Lightweight Andres Cortes (4-0, 2 KO’s) furthered his undefeated record against Miguel Espinoza (3-2, 1 KO) after 4 rounds of action. The night continued on as Latondria Jones (5-0, 2 KO’s) kept her undefeated record in tact against Selena Arellano (1-2-, 1 KO), judges ruled the 4 round Jr. middleweight bout in Jones favor by UD. Further up in the lineup was a brutal welterweight showdown giving Mayweather Promotions’ Charvis Holifield (6-2, 4 KO’s) the second loss of his career versus Samuel Santana (9-11-3, 3 KO’s) which ended in a 5th round stoppage, giving Santana the win by way of TKO.
# # #
Follow on Twitter @AshleyTheophane, @ambitious_lee, @MayweatherPromo, and @SamsTownLV, become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

EDUARDO DANTAS NULLIFIES WRESTLING OF JOE WARREN, RETAINS BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE IN ‘BELLATOR 166’ REMATCH

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Complete Event Photos Here

THACKERVILLE, OK. (Dec. 2, 2016) — Despite receiving a point-deduction for a low kick in the fifth and final round, Eduardo Dantas (19-4) was impeccable on the feet during his rematch with Joe Warren (14-6) at “Bellator 166” on Friday, peppering Warren with jabs for 25-minutes and earning a majority decision (47-47, 49-44, 48-46) in front of a packed house at WinStar Resort and Casino.

With the loss, Warren’s bid for a third Bellator MMA title reign ended, as he was unable to secure a takedown throughout the main event bout. “The World’s Baddest Man” had never lost a fight that went to the judges’ scorecards until Friday, while “Dudu” rectified the defeat he took against Warren at “Bellator 128.” 

After the fight, Dantas dedicated his victory to the families of those affected by the deadly plane crash suffered by the Chapecoense Soccer Team in Brazil last week. The victory now sets the stage for tomorrow night’s “Bellator 167” event, which pits Joe Taimanglo against Darrion Caldwell.

McKee Overcomes Adversity, Remains Undefeated with Impressive Ground-and-Pound Victory

In the evening’s featherweight co-main event, A.J. McKee (6-0) came from behind to defeat Ray Wood (7-3) with a unanimous decision triumph (29-27, 30-25, 30-27). McKee was tested early in the opening round, as Wood landed multiple blows that sent McKee flying to the canvas. However, McKee was able to stay the course and answered the bell, convincingly dominating Wood during the final two frames. Wood becomes just the first of McKee’s six victims to make it out of the first round, forcing the 21-year-old “Mercenary” into his first-ever decision. Fighting out of Long Beach, Calif., McKee proclaimed his desire to compete on the upcoming “Bellator 170: Ortiz vs. Sonnen” super-card after the win, calling out his previously scheduled opponentEmmanuel Sanchez.

Galvao Edges Davis for Split Decision win in Bantamweight Thriller

 

In a night highlighted by a pair of phenomenal bantamweight matchups, Marcos Galvao (18-7-1) was able to squeak out a tightly fought contest with L.C. Davis (23-8), emerging victorious with a split decision win (29-28 x2, 28-29). A 12-fight veteran of Bellator MMA, Galvao earned his eighth victory under the promotion’s direction and first of his 2016 campaign. “Loro” seems to be finding his groove, tallying victories in five of his past six contests. For Davis, the loss is just his second since joining the Scott Coker-led promotion in 2014.

Chris Honeycutt Delivers Flawless Performance – Rewarded With Unanimous Decision Victory

 

In the opening bout of “Bellator 166,“ Chris Honeycutt (9-1, 1 NC) brought a rowdy Thackerville crowd to their feet throughout the course of a one-sided middleweight affair, defeating Ben Reiter (17-2-1) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25 x2). An early knee, coupled with a ruthless combination of blows opened a sizeable gash on the side of Reiter’s head, forcing the 29-year-old New Yorker to take some chances. The win is Honeycutt’s second consecutive victory at 185-pounds, opening the door in what is currently a wide open division. For Reiter, the loss is just the second of his career, the first of which also came at WinStar Resort and Casino.

Preliminary Card Results:

Gregory Babene (18-11) defeated Emiliano Sordi (14-6) via submission (Guillotine Choke) at 3:11 of round one

Treston Thomison (10-4) defeated Dawond Pickney (10-6) via submission (Arm-bar) at :51 of round one

Derrick Adkins (9-3) defeated Chris Jones (10-5) via submission (Brabo Choke) at 4:09 of round two

Kinny Spotwood (3-2) defeated John King (4-4) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

boxing

Sampson Boxing Congratulates Rodriguez for Winning Euro Welterweight Championship; Next Sets Sights on Paulie Malignaggi

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Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing and his long-time promotional partner, Sergio Martinez of Maravillabox Promotions, congratulate the welterweight contender they co-promote, Ceferino “Ferino V” Rodriguez, for today’s (December 2) hard-fought EBU (European) welterweight title-winning victory over France’s Ahmed El Mousaoui.
After a scintillating back-and-forth war, Rodriguez (24-1, 12 KOs), also the former WBC Latino Welterweight champion, won a split decision over the determined El Mousaoui (now 24-3-1, 6 KOs) at the Las Palmas in Islas Canarias, Spain.
The victory sets up a potential showdown with former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi for Rodriguez’s newly won European championship on American soil.
“I am happy to have won such a rough fight,” said Rodriguez. “Now I want to make history with a fight between a Spaniard and an Italian on American soil. Bring me Paulie Malignaggi.”
Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz says he hopes Malignaggi sees the historical implications of fighting for a Euro title on US soil.
“Paulie is a smart man as a fighter and commentator. I invite him to try and further his incredible career by going for this championship, which I know is important to his people back in Italy. Forget Connor McGregor and let’s make this world war happen.”
Lewkowicz says he’s very happy for his fighter’s success and for the ongoing relationship with Martinez, whom he also worked with when he was an active fighter and superstar in boxing.
“Sergio and I have enjoyed a long and successful time in boxing and I look forward to making even more boxing history, as we guide the career of Ceferino Rodriguez together, hopefully into a globally important fight against Paulie Malignaggi,” he said.
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Undefeated Prospect Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Rising Contender Talks Training with Virgil Hunter, Moving Up in Weight & More Before Competing in Undercard Action
Saturday, December 10 from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles
Click HERE for Photos from Brett Ostrowski/Team Barrios
OAKLAND (December 2, 2016) – Undefeated prospect Mario Barrios (16-0, 8 KOs) is set to make his lightweight debut when he fights Argentina’s Claudio Rosendo Tapia (28-17-4, 13 KOs) in undercard action on Saturday, December 10 from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles.
The December 10 event is headlined by featherweight world champion Jesus Cuellar defending against former three-division world champion Abner Mares in a long-awaited showdown. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with junior middleweight world champion Jermall Charlo and top-rated challenger Julian Williams in a world championship battle of undefeated rising stars in their prime.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, are on sale and are priced at $35, $50, $75, $150 and $200. To purchase tickets go towww.galentix.com.
Barrios shared thoughts on his first training camp with Virgil Hunter, moving up and weight in more. Here is what the San Antonio-native had to say from Oakland:
On moving up to lightweight…
“At 6’1, it was getting difficult making 130 pounds. I feel a lot stronger now that I’m fighting at lightweight. It’s also safer not to be drained going into fights. In my last fight, I killed myself trying to make weight.  I believe this is the right move for me.”
On working with new coach, 2011 BWAA “Trainer of the Year” Virgil Hunter…
“I have a lot of respect for Virgil Hunter. He’s great explaining the fundamentals of boxing. He’s a great motivator and I’m looking forward to a bright future with Virgil. Everyone knows he’s one of the best trainers in the world so I’m excited to have him in my corner leading the way.”
On fighting in Los Angeles on December 10…
“This will be a great card to fight on.  Jesus Cuellar vs. Abner Mares is going to be an all-out war. This will be the second time fighting at the Galen Center in Los Angeles. I’m looking to put on a great performance for all the Mexican fans that will be in attendance. Everyone will see a stronger fighter when I step in the ring on December 10.”
On his recent training camp in California…
“Training in California has been very productive. I’ve got a lot of good sparring and my strength and conditioning has gone to a new level. I feel powerful and I know I’ll be at my best when I step in the ring. All in all, it’s been a great learning experience working out here on the west coast.”
On fighting Argentinean veteran Claudio Rosendo Tapia…
“I know he just went the distance with two undefeated fighters, so I know he’s durable. Fighters from Argentina always bring it. I know this fight will get rough at some point so I’ll be well prepared for anything he brings. I’m very confident in my ability to come out victorious.”
On his goals for 2017…
“2017 will be a year where I’ll get comfortable fighting at a higher weight class. My main goal is to stay busy and get as many fights in as possible.  I can see myself possibly fighting at super lightweight if I keep growing. I’m just going to take it day by day.”

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.premierboxingchampions.com,follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing,@JesusCuellarBOX, @AbnerMares, @FutureOfBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @TGBPromotions 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, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, UK Boxing

HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DEONTAY WILDER TO BE GUEST ANALYST FOR ANTHONY JOSHUA vs. ERIC MOLINA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT ON SATURDAY, DEC. 10 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® Airs at 5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT Live On SHOWTIME; Encore Presentation During Saturday’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®Telecast

 

Watch, Share & Embed “Wilder Road To Recovery” Video: http://s.sho.com/2gcc2TI

Download: https://we.tl/V82xszVTFc

Photo Credit: Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

 

NEW YORK (Dec. 2, 2016) – WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder will join the SHOWTIME announce team as a guest analyst for the IBF Heavyweight World Championship fight between undefeated champion Anthony Joshua and American challenger Eric Molina on Saturday, Dec. 10, live on SHOWTIME (5:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. PT).

 

Wilder (37-0, 36 KOs) will join host Brian Custer and analysts Al Bernstein and Paulie Malignaggi for the SHOWTIME BOXING INTERNATIONAL® presentation from Galen Center at USC in Los Angeles, site of that evening’s SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

 

The “Bronze Bomber” just completed rehab for a fractured right hand and torn right bicep (see video above) as he (Wilder) sets his sights to unify the division in 2017.  Wilder is acutely familiar with Molina, having defeated the fellow-American in the first defense of his title in June, 2015 on SHOWTIME.

 

“I know firsthand just how tough Eric Molina is,” Wilder said.  “He’s coming to win because it’s a chance for him to win a world title, and he’ll definitely push Joshua.  Whoever wins will have to see me eventually because it’s my goal to collect all the belts and become the undisputed heavyweight champion.”

 

Joshua is making the second defense of his title against Molina, who is getting his second shot at a belt in his quest to become the first Mexican-American heavyweight world champion.

 

An encore presentation of Joshua vs. Molina will air as part of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast later that evening, following the main event showdown between WBA Featherweight World Champion Jesus Cuellar and three-division former champ Abner Mares.  In the opening bout, Jermall Carlo will defend his IBF Junior Middleweight World Championship against fellow-undefeated challenger Julian Williams.

 

Olympics

Split-T Management signs 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell to a managerial contract

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 New York (December 2, 2016) -Split T Management is pleased to announce the signing of 2016 United States Olympian, Charles Conwell to a managerial contract..

Conwell 19 years-old of Cleveland, Ohio competed as a middleweight in the Olympics but will compete in the welterweight division in the professional ranks.

“David McWater of Split T Management is known as a man who cares about his fighters, not only inside of the ring, but outside of it as well,” said Conwell.

“When I talked to a lot of people, they had a lot of nice things to say about him. When I met him and got to know him, he showed me that he cared about me not only as a boxer, but as a person, and that’s the one I want handling my career.”

“Charles is a wonderful person as well as a fighter,” said McWater. “He’s accomplished so much in his life already! How many kids win National Golden Gloves, US Nationals, Continental Elite Worlds and make honor roll in school all before they graduate high school? Close to none I would guess! He’s just an awesome young man and a tremendous talent, I’m very excited to be working for him.”

Conwell began boxing at the age of 10 when his father brought him to the gym and Charles fell in love with the sport.

Charles won a gold medal in the Americas Olympic qualifiers and took the top spot in countless United States Amateur tournaments, which included the National Junior Championships on two occasions, the National Golden Gloves Tournaments and the United Stated Olympic Trials.

“After winning my first national tournament (2012 National Junior Olympics), I felt that I could make boxing my career. I went on to become an 11-time national champion.”

For the past 2 years, Conwell has been the top-ranked middleweight in the United States.

In 2015, Conwell was named the USA Boxing Junior Male Athlete of the Year.

In the 2016 Olympics, Conwell was ousted by Krishan Vikas of India. Vikas was a 2-time Olympian, who defeated top welterweight contender Errol Spence, Jr. in the 2012 games.

“My Olympic experience did not go was planned, but I made the most of it. By fighting internationally, I got to see a lot of different styles of fighters and took some of the good qualities and added it to my style, which will help me become even a better fighter. I am a very smart boxer with fast hands and power. When people see me, they will think of Aaron Pryor, Mike Tyson and Andre Ward all rolled up into one.”

I plan to become the undisputed world welterweight champion and leave a legacy in boxing. I will be known as one of the all-time greats to come out of Ohio.”
boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

Junior Featherweight World Champion Amanda Serrano Meets Former Two-Division World Champion Yazmin Rivas Live on SHOWTIME EXTREME® in First Women’s World Title Bout on National Television in Nearly A Decade

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Saturday, January 14 from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

 

Plus! Undefeated Rising Middleweight Contenders

Ievgen Khytrov & Immanuwel Aleem Collide in Action

Beginning at 7 p.m. ET/ PT

 

BROOKLYN (December 2, 2016) – Junior featherweight world champion and Brooklyn-native Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (30-1-1, 23 KOs) is set to battle former two-division world champion Yazmin Rivas (35-9-1, 10 KOs) in the first nationally televised women’s world title bout in nearly a decade on Saturday, January 14, live on SHOWTIME EXTREME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

 

NOTE: The last nationally televised female world title fight was Mary Jo Saunders vs. Valerie Mahfood on March 30, 2007 (ESPN2).

 

The SHOWTIME EXTREME telecast begins at 7 p.m. ET/PT and features Ievgen Khytrov (14-0, 12 KOs) battling Immanuwel Aleem(16-0-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round matchup of undefeated rising contenders for the WBC Middleweight Silver belt.

 

The January 14 event features a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® doubleheader headlined by the super middleweight world championship unification showdown between Badou Jack and James DeGale.  Televised coverage on SHOWTIME® begins at 9:30 p.m. ET/6:30 p.m. PT with super featherweight world champion Jose Pedraza taking on undefeated contender Gervonta Davis.

 

Serrano, the WBO 122-pound titlist, and Rivas, the WBC International champion at super bantamweight, will fight for the WBO title and the prestigious WBC Diamond championship in a bout that promises intense action from start to finish. The addition of Serrano means that the card will feature Puerto Rico’s only two world champions, Serrano and Pedraza.

 

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.

 

Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, Serrano gravitated toward boxing from watching her older sister Cindy, also a professional fighter. She picked the sport up quickly, amassing a 9-1 record during a brief amateur career in which she won the New York Golden Gloves title in 2008. The 27-year-old would go on to fight all over the world, seizing her first world title in 2011 when she defeated Kimberly Connor to grab a super featherweight belt. In 2014, she went to Argentina and defeated Maria Elena Maderna to become a world champion at lightweight. Her world title climb continued in February when she stopped Olivia Gerula in the first round to capture her featherweight championship. She made her Barclays Center debut in July with a first-round stoppage of Calixta Silgado before earning another victory in the first round when she stopped Alexandra Lazar to pick up a vacant junior featherweight world title.

 

A 28-year-old out of Torreon, Mexico, Rivas picked up her WBC International title in her last bout, a decision victory over Jessica Gonzalez. Rivas had previously successfully defended her bantamweight world title four times after winning the belt against Alesia Graf in 2014. Her prior run as a bantamweight champion lasted for five defenses after she defeated previously unbeaten Susie Ramadan to win that belt. These extended championship runs came after she became a flyweight world champion in 2005 by defeating Lucia Avalos.

 

An Olympian who represented his native Ukraine, Khytrov also won an Amateur World Championship before turning pro in 2013. Since then, the 28-year-old has dominated on his way to stopping contenders Josh Luteran and Nick Brinson and previously unbeaten fighters Maurice Louishomme and Aaron Coley. Khytrov, who trains out of Brooklyn, won an entertaining ninth-round knockout over Paul Mendez in his last start this past July. Khytrov has fought three times previously on ShoBox: The New Generation.

 

Born in East Meadow, New York and fighting out of Richmond, Virginia, Aleem was introduced to boxing at a young age by his parents. Since turning pro in 2012 at age 18, the 23-year-old has wiped out all of the competition in front of him. In 2015, he dominated Emmanuel Sanchez, David Toribio, Oscar Riojas and Carlos Galvan before defeating once-beaten Jonathan Cepeda in April. In his last bout, he boxed a draw with once-beaten prospect Demond Nicholson. He will look to take advantage of another big opportunity on January 14.

 

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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, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella,  @BarclaysCenter, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports,  www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/barclayscenter. This event is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.