All posts by FNU47

 Adam Lopez ready to put on a show this Friday night, November 11 fight card at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

     
Adam Lopez to take on Carlos Valcarcel in main event; Ed Brown takes on Albert Mensah;  Jerry Odom battles Taneal Goyco and Jaron Ennis takes on Chrisshawn Alexander this Friday night at The 2300 Arena
Plus undefeated Hurshidbek Normatov, Kenneth Sims, Jr, Emanuel Folly, Joshua Jones & LeRoy Davila

Derrick Webster battles Zoltan Sera

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Philadelphia, PA (November 9, 2016) – Undefeated super bantamweight Adam Lopez is excited to make his Philadelphia debut when he takes on Carlos Valcarcel this Friday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
In the co-feature, undefeated welterweight, Ed Brown will take on Albert Mensah in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds and , Kenneth Sims, Jr. will take on Jonathan Dinong in a six-round junior welterweight bout.  Also in action will be Jaron Ennis fighting Chrisshawn Alexander in a six-round welterweight fight.

The card is promoted by GH3 Promotions & Victory Boxing Promotions.

Lopez of San Antonio, Texas is ranked 4th by the WBA and has a record of 15-0-1 with seven knockouts.
“My camp was pretty good, and just getting down to the nitty gritty.  I was sparring two days a week and I am ready to go,” said Lopez.
In his last bout, Lopez fought to a ten-round split draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) on July 22nd in Mashantucket, Connecticut.
“The fight was close, but I thought I edged it out.  In the last round I had him in trouble and he spit his mouthpiece out.  I was on my way to getting a 10-8 round, which would have given me the win.  He did a veteran move in there.”
“If I would have won that, I would be fighting for a world title.  I wanted to win that fight in general, but I look forward to the next fight.  Maybe I wasn’t supposed to get the title shot now.  I just have to work and that shot will come.  I just have to be patient.”
Valcarcel has a record of 14-8-4 with five knockouts.  The 34 year-old native of Miami, Florida has wins over Jovanny Soto (15-2-1), Rodolfo Garay (14-2-1) & Leivi Brea (16-4-3).
The 12 year veteran also has fought former world champion Eric Morel and future world champion Jessie Magdaleno.
Valcarcel is coming off a 6th round stoppage defeat to undefeated Erick DeLeon on June 25th in Dallas, Texas.
“I know he is a 2004 Olympian.  He is a veteran and a crafty fighter.  He has a surviving style in the sense he is defensive and crafty.  He is not a knockout puncher but you have to respect anyone who puts on those gloves,” said Lopez of his opponent.
Lopez is ready to show his skills in front of the knowledgeable Philadelphia fight crowd.
“I always know that Philly is a great fight town.  I actually want to see the park here “The Fresh Prince” was bullied at,” Lopez said laughingly.
“This is going to be a great fight, and the fans will get their monies worth.”
Seeing action in the eight round co-feature will be undefeated welterweight Ed Brown.
The 24 year-old native of Chicago has a record of 19-0 with 16 knockouts, and has established himself as one of the top welterweight prospects in boxing.
Brown is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Venegas on July 30th in Hammond, Indiana.
Mensah of Accra, Ghana. has a record of 29-5 -1 with 13 knockouts.
The 33 year-old is a 14 year pro and holds a significant win over Michael Katsidis for the IBF International super lightweight title. He followed that by losing a 12 round decision to Denis Shafikov, who was 30-0.
After that fight Mensah fought Cesar Cuenca (46-0) in an eliminator for the IBF Super Lightweight title. Again he lost a close 12 round decision. Earlier in his career,
Mensah beat the then undefeated Ayi Bruce. He has made a habit of fighting undefeated fighters. In the course of his career he has fought fourteen undefeated fighters
and has a record of 12-2 in those fights.
Sims of Chicago, Illinois has a record of 9-0 with three knockouts.  The 22 year-old is a two-year professional and is coming off a 1st round stoppage over Trevor Marmon on October 22, in Hammond, Indiana.  This will be Sims’ 2nd visit to the 2300 Arena as he won a 6-round unanimous decision over Gilbert Venegas in September 15.
Dinong of  Monterey Park, California has a record of 5-1 with 4 knockouts.  The 24 year old won his first 5 bouts, but dropped a decision to Sanjarbek Rakhmanov on October 8th in Las Vegas.
Ennis, 19 years old has a record of 6-0 with five knockouts.  In his last bout, he was taken the distance for the first time, but pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Eddie Diaz on September 15th.
Alexander of Norfolk, Virginia has a record of 4-2 with three knockouts.

The 24 year-old won his first three bouts and is coming off a no-contest with undefeated Matt Conway on July 15th in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In an eight round bout, Jerry Odom (14-2-1, 13 Ko’s) of Washington, DC battles Taneal Goyco (8-9-1, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia in a super middleweight bout.
In Six Round Bouts:
Derrick Webster (20-1, 10 KO’s) of Willingboro, NJ will fight Zoltan Sera (26-10, 17 KO’s) of Hungary in a middleweight bout.
Hershidbek Normatov (2-0, 1 KO) of Andijan, Uzbekistan will fight Lenwood Dozier (10-13-2, 5 KO’s) of Suitland, MD in a junior middleweight bout.

In Four Round bouts:
Undefeated super bantamweight Emmanuel Folly (7-0, 5 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take fight Tibor Nadori (9-6-1, 4 KO’s) of Leeds, England in a junior featherweight bout.

Joshua Jones (2-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will fight Corey Edwards (2-1, 1 KO) of South Carolina in a lightweight bout.

LeRoy Davila (3-0, 2 KO’s) of New Brunswick, NJ will fight Damin Simon (0-4-1) of Beaumont, Texas in a bantamweight bout.

Tickets for this great evening of boxing are $100, $75, $50 and $40 and can be purchased by calling 267-273-0945 and www.2300arena.com

HARD-HITTING SHARIF “THE LION” BOGERE FACES HYLON WILLIAMS IN THE MAYWEATHER PROMOTIONS’ ‘SIN CITY SHOWDOWN’ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2ND AT SAM’S TOWN LIVE!

 
PLUS! Ashley “Treasure” Theophane featured in the co-main event, along with a stacked Mayweather Promotions undercard including undefeated rising prospects Juan Heraldez, Maurice Lee, Kevin Newman & more!
 
Ticket on Sale Now!
 
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 9, 2016) – Sharif “The Lion” Bogere (29-1, 20 KO’s) is back in action after a flawless fifth round TKO victory against Luis Florez on September 16th. Bogere will face Hylon Williams (16-3-1, 3KO’s) in a 10-round lightweight battle on December 2nd at Sam’s Town Live in the main event. A win for Bogere will increase his win streak to seven and bring him one step closer to a title opportunity.
“I am excited; as “The Lion” you will hear me ‘roar’ on December 2nd,” said Bogere. “I think my performance last fight gave the fans what they wanted to see, I gained more fans, but most importantly, I was focused. This fight will bring me even closer to a title fight, and that is what I am here for,”
“I’m facing a tough opponent, but I’ve already been in the ring in some tough battles and learned from those experiences,” said Williams. “I don’t see much getting in my way of me stopping him come December 2nd,”
Further action will see former title challenger Ashley “Treasure” Theophane (39-7, 12 KO’s) in the co-main event, who has made it clear that he is here for redemption. Theophane, who was originally supposed to be featured on the last Sin City Showdown card on October 8th has taken this time to train harder, become more focused and is set to out perform and come out on top with a victory.
“It’s been said that this is my redemption fight,” said Theophane. “I have been faced with many challenges in my career, with my back up against the wall and have bounced back. This fight is like any other fight, and I plan to come out victorious,”
Bogere fights out of Las Vegas, while proudly representing his native Uganda. The 27-year-old won his first 23 pro fights while picking up victories over Raymundo Beltran, Francisco Contreras, and Manuel Levya. He enters this bout on a six-fight win streak and will be challenged by Hylon Williams fighting out of Las Vegas, NV.
Originally from Houston, Williams now fights out of Las Vegas. He began his career in 2008 with a 15-0 record, until former two-division world champion Rances Barthlemy stopped him back in February 2012. Williams bounced back with a win versus John Willoughby the same year, and after a 3 year hiatus found himself back in the ring to face Jason Lizau, which judges ruled a draw. Since then, Wiliams has suffered back-to-back losses against Yuriokis Gamboa on December 19 2015, and Rashad Ganaway on August 20, 2016.
Theophane has faced many top opponents in the 140-147 class, including Danny Garcia, Pablo Cesar Cano, and Adrien Broner. He started his 2015 campaign with back-to-back victories over both Mahonri Montes in April and Steve Upsher in September. On April 1, 2016 he suffered a tough loss to Adrien Broner in a world title fight.
Fight Night will take place on Friday, December 2nd at Sam’s Town Live.Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, start at $15 and are available online at: www.samstownlv.com/entertain and on www.mayweatherpromotions.com.
Follow on Twitter @SharifBogere, @AshleyTheophane, @MayweatherPromo, and @SamsTownLV, become a fan on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.

Salita Promotions and Forgotten Harvest Team Up Once Again to Fight Against Hunger in Detroit

Continuing with his pledge on Tuesday, to give back to the city in which he has dedicated himself to resurrecting professional boxing, promoter Dmitriy Salita of Salita Promotions joined a group of fighters and trainers to work as a volunteer for Forgotten Harvest, one of the nation’s largest food rescue organizations.
The group, (that included Salita, Sugar Hill Stewart (trainer), Zach Shamoun (fighter), Theotrice Chambers (trainer), Muheeb Fazeldin (fighter), and Andrei Saakyn (Salita Promotions) all involved with his latest “Detroit Brawl,” event at the Masonic Temple in Downtown Detroit, on Saturday, November 12, spent a day working in Forgotten Harvest’s Royal Oak, Michigan, warehouse packing food to be delivered to families in need.
Tickets for “Detroit Brawl” will be priced at VIP $123, Box Seats $100, Ringside $93, $63, $38, and $28 and available at all Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster.com.
 
True to his word, Salita has incorporated a charitable element to every one of his Detroit shows. In addition to the time spent volunteering, he will be donating a portion of every ticket sold to provide thousands of meals to Detroit’s less fortunate. His last show was able to donate over 3000 meals to worthy families.
“We are so glad that Salita Promotions is in our corner and has joined us in the fight against hunger here in metro Detroit,” stated Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes. “We sincerely appreciate their help and community spirit.”
Salita says he’s happy his plans are coming together on both the boxing and charitable fronts.

“I am thrilled to be working with this wonderful organization that does so much for Detroit’s hungry,” he said. “And I will continue to make every show as much about boxing as it is about giving back to this wonderful city that has become my second home.”

Based in Oak Park, Michigan, Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to relieve hunger and prevent food waste throughout the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest “rescued” over 40 million pounds of food last year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from over 800 locations, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources.
This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free of-charge to 280 emergency food providers in the metro Detroit area. Forgotten Harvest has been ranked as a four-star charity by Charity Navigator for nine consecutive years.
In Saturday night’s six-round bantamweight main event Detroit’s undefeated James Gordon Smith (10-0, 6 KOs) will take on Tashkent, Uzbekistan formidable Olim Nazarov (14-2, 8 KOs).
In the night’s co-main event, Muheeb “Flashy,” Fazeldin (8-0-1, 3 KOs) from Sheffield, United Kingdom via Yemen, will face Modesto, California’s Michael Gaxiola (4-9) in a six-round lightweight battle.
And in another significant six-round welterweight showdown, Salita’s newest undefeated welterweight contender Wesley Tucker (12-0, 7 KOs) will showcase his considerable talents against Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Richard Hall (11-24-3, 7 KOs).
On the undercard, undefeated super bantamweight Zach Shamoun (4-0-1, 3 KOs) will look for his fifth professional victory against Dallas, Texas’ Charles Clark (1-1, 1 KO) in a four-round bout; Georgian super lightweight Giorgi Gelashvili (5-0, 3 KOs) will face tough local product Larry Ventus (6-11-1, 3 KOs) of Detroit; Flint, Michigan’s Ardreal Holmes (3-0, 2 KOs) will take on Macon, Georgia’s Bryan Goldsby in a super welterweight four-rounder; and in an all-Michigan welterweight four-rounder, Detroit’s Raphael Sinegal (1-1, 1 KO) will face Mount Morris, Michigan’s Darryol Humphery.

Undefeated bantamweight Ja’Rico “Great Lakes King” O’Quinn (3-0, 2 KOs) and Chicago-based super featherweight Yousif Saleh will look to further their careers in separate four-rounders against opponents TBA.
Learn more about Forgotten Harvest and how to help drive hunger from our community at www.forgottenharvest.org
 
On fight night, doors open at 5:00 pm and the fights begin at 6:00 pm.
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For more information on the “Detroit Brawl” or Salita Promotions, visitwww.salitapromotions.com.

WELTERWEIGHT GOLD ON THE LINE FRIDAY NIGHT AT ‘BELLATOR 164’ INSIDE MENORA MIVTACHIM ARENA IN TEL AVIV, ISRAEL

 

 

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL. (November 8, 2016) – Bellator MMA has invaded the “Holy Land” for the first time in the history of the promotion and is ready to deliver a plethora of great matchups, including a welterweight world title fight pitting Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) against Douglas Lima(27-6).

 

With “Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” only a few days away, Bellator’s digital team has put together a collection of exclusive new content to preview the stacked event at Menora Mivtachim Arena. Join us as we dive into a behind-the-scenes look at the competitors’ journey to Fridaynight’s big show. For more in-depth footage of our enticing contests coming your way, look no further than Bellator’s amazing YouTube page.

 

BELLATOR MMA WELTERWEIGHT WORLD TITLE BOUT

Over a year ago, current division champ Andrey Koreshkov defeated Douglas Lima for the welterweight world title. Now, the two meet again and it’s Lima who will be seeking revenge. Don’t miss this incredible Bellator MMA title fight in Tel Aviv, Israel, this Friday night!

 

What to Watch: Lima vs. Koreshkov

Let’s take a look at some of Jimmy Smith’s keys to victory in a welterweight world title rematch between Lima and Koreshkov.

Champions: Andrey Koreshkov

Koreshkov is about as dominating of an opponent as you can find in the world of MMA today. Join us as we take a closer look at what makes this welterweight supreme.

 

Sitdown with Georgi Karakhanyan

Georgi Karakhanyan’s specialty in the cage? Guillotine. What about outside of the cage? We sit down with the featherweight superstar and discuss the mental preparation behind mixed martial arts competition.

5 Rounds: Lena Ovchynnikova

Ukrainian powerhouse Lena Ovchynnikova gives us an inside look on her life outside of the cage as she prepares to make her promotional debut.

 

Event Info

A welterweight world title main event will headline the first ever Bellator MMA event in Israel, as current division champion Andrey Koreshkov(19-1) will attempt to protect his belt against the man who he took it from over a year ago, Douglas Lima (27-6). In addition, Noad Lahat (9-2) will challenge Scott Cleve (15-5) in the evening’s featherweight co-main event and Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) will replace James Gallagher to face Israel’s own Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1) in a featherweight feature fight. Finally, a female flyweight bout pitting Ukrainian star Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) against Karla Benitez (13-9-1) rounds out the SPIKE-televised main card action.

 

The preliminary portion of the event features a welterweight clash between Joaquin Buckley (6-0) and hometown favorite Jackie Gosh (6-0). In addition, over a dozen local competitors will be making their professional debut on the preliminary card of the Scott Coker-led promotion’s first event in the Middle East.

 

“Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. LIma” takes place at Menora Mivtachim Arena in Tel Aviv, Israel, and will air in America on SPIKE Friday, November 11 at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT. Bellator has partnered with Ananey Communications, an Israeli television conglomerate boasting 14 channels, several of which showcase Viacom content including the EGO and EGO TOTAL channels which have broadcast Bellator in Israel since 2012.

 

Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Bellator.com or Eventim.co.il/mma.

 

“Bellator 164: Koreshkov vs. Lima” Fight Card

Welterweight World Title Bout: Andrey Koreshkov (19-1) vs. Douglas Lima (27-6)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Noad Lahat (9-2) vs. Scott Cleve (15-5)

Featherweight Feature Bout: Georgi Karakhanyan (25-6-1) vs. Kirill Medvedovsky (6-1)

Flyweight Feature Bout: Lena Ovchynnikova (10-4) vs. Karla Benitez (13-9-1)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Joaquin Buckley (6-0) vs. Jackie Gosh (6-0)

Light Heavyweight Preliminary Fight: Chen Shhori (Debut) vs. Kfir Eittan (2-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Haitham Kiuof (Debut) vs. Moshe Rand (3-2)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Rob Becker (Debut) vs. Ejargew Tariku (1-0)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Sol Renato (Debut) vs. Alex Trofimov (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Almog Shay (Debut) vs. Vitaly Khmeinytsky (Debut)

Lightweight Preliminary Fight: Olga Rubin (Debut) vs. Laurita Cibirite (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Raz Bring (Debut) vs. Maor Kazalkopy (Debut)

Middleweight Preliminary Fight: Alexander Nikulin (Debut) vs. Avi Baron (Debut)

Bantamweight Preliminary Fight: Onor Keles (Debut) vs. Omri Barel (Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Fight: Zane Clerk (Debut) vs. Haim Gozali (6-3)

Welterweight Kickboxing Fight: Igor Postnikov (Debut) vs. Itai Gayer (Debut)

 

Stacked Night of Local Talent Features Middleweight Kryone Davis Battling Once-Beaten Carlos Gabriel Ozan & Unbeaten Milton Santiago Facing Argentina’s Claudio Rosendo Tapia

 
Saturday, November 12 from Temple University’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia
 
Plus! Undefeated Prospects Thomas Velasquez, Jeffrey Torres & More
 
PHILADELPHIA (November 8, 2016) – An exciting night highlighting the best rising talent in the Philadelphia-area comes to Temple University’s Liacouras Center on Saturday, November 12 and will feature middleweight prospect Kyrone Davis (10-1, 4 KOs) facing once-beaten Carlos Gabriel Ozan (12-1, 4 KOs) and unbeaten super lightweight Milton Santiago (15-0, 3 KOs) against Argentina’s Claudio Rosendo Tapia (28-16-4, 13 KOs) in a pair of eight-round showdowns.
The event is headlined by undefeated welterweight world champion and Philadelphia-native Danny “Swift” Garcia taking on Colombia’s Samuel Vargas. Coverage of Premier Boxing Champions on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT and features undefeated rising star Jarrett Hurd battling former title challenger Jo Jo Dan plus former world champion Javier Fortuna taking on unbeaten Omar Douglas.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DSG Promotions and King’s Promotions, are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit LiacourasCenter.com/events or call 800-298-4200. Garcia is teaming up withPhilabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, to arrange a regional food drive and raise money throughout the promotion. For more information on how to get involved, visit the event’s webpage HERE.
Additional action will feature a pair of unbeaten Philadelphia prospects as Thomas Velasquez squares-off against Miami’s Raul Chirino in a four-round super featherweight affair while Christian Carto faces Mexico’s Leonardo Reyes in four-rounds of bantamweight action.
Rounding out the night of fights is unbeaten super featherweight Titus Williams taking on once-beaten Philadelphia-native Antonio Dubose in a six-round showdown and unbeaten lightweight Jeffrey Torres taking on Joseph Serrano in a four-round bout between Philadelphia prospects.
A two-time amateur National Champion fighting out of Wilmington, Delaware, Davis turned pro in 2014 after a stellar amateur career. The 21-year-old delivered wins in his first 10 starts before dropping a competitive contest to then unbeaten Junior Castillo in April. A two-time Pennsylvania Golden Gloves champion, Davis fights in Philadelphia for the first time as a pro when he takes on the 28-year-old Ozan from Mendoza, Argentina.
Unbeaten and fighting out of Philadelphia, Santiago looks for his third victory of 2016 when he enters the ring on November 12. A pro since 2014, the 20-year-old Santiago fights in his home city for the sixth time in his short career. Alvarez has won three eight-round bouts in a row and looks to be victorious again when he faces the experienced Tapia out of Mendoza, Argentina.
 
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com and www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @DannySwift, @SpikeTV, @SpikeSports @KingsBoxing_ and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions. Follow the conversation using #fight4philly. PBC on Spike is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

“Night With Boxing Legends” NVBHOF Charity Fundraiser Photos

NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME
“Honoring Boxing’s History and Supporting Boxing’s Future”
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   View on Instagram
LAS VEGAS, NV (November 7, 2016) – This past Friday the “Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame” hosted a Pre-Fight Fundraiser, that took place after the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas weigh-in.  Champs from the past and present showed up to meet and greet with fans.  The event took place at Ferraro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, one of Las Vegas’ highly recommended restaurants.  All money raised will be donated to local boxing organizations.  For more information please visit www.NVBHOF.com.

Ringstar Sports Comes Out “Signing” As U.S. Olympian Carlos Balderas & Brother Jose Balderas Agree to Join New Promotion Company

 

Click HERE For Photos From Ringstar Sports

 
LOS ANGELES (November 7, 2016) – Ringstar Sports, the newly formed promotional company headed up by longtime boxing executive Richard Schaefer, made another big move last week when the company signed highly touted 2016 U.S. Olympian Carlos Balderas, along with his brother Jose, to promotional agreements. Ringstar will represent the two amateur standouts as they turn professional and guide their dreams as both fighters hope to secure lucrative futures for themselves and their family. The Balderas brothers, who signed their contracts in Ringstar’s LA-based offices last Tuesday, are the first fighters to join the company.
“Carlos Balderas was one of the most sought-after Olympians coming out of the 2016 Summer Games and I am so pleased that he, and his brother Jose, agreed to join Ringstar Sports,” said Richard Schaefer, Chairman and CEO of Ringstar Sports. “Carlos, Jose and their entire family are the type of people that we want to do business with at our company. I am going to do whatever it takes to make Carlos the face of boxing and his brother will be right there with him.  Both of these young men are exceptional fighters with great skills and even better work ethics. Most importantly, they have a desire to be great and so does Ringstar. I am looking forward to getting started.”
“I’m really excited to start this partnership with Ringstar Sports and I’m looking forward to working with Richard for a long time,” said Carlos Balderas. “My brother and I chose Ringstar because we immediately felt comfortable with Richard. He was very honest with me from the beginning and I really believe he’s the best promoter in the sport. I’m ready to start my career and grow my fan base. I’m looking to do big things in this sport. It’s not just about a paycheck. I want to win world titles and build a legacy.”
“My brother and I are really comfortable with Richard and we believe he has the right vision for our careers,” said Jose Balderas. “Richard has a vision not just for himself and his company, but he has the vision that will lead to us becoming world champions. That’s what every boxer dreams of. I just can’t wait until fight time. I want to show everybody what we’re made of and the things that we can do. We’re going to leave it all in the ring and leave the fans entertained every time.”
“My whole family is very happy with this decision to join Richard and Ringstar Sports,” said Zenon Balderas, Carlos and Jose’s father. “Richard is a very smart man who is going to do amazing things for my sons. I know that my sons will be world champions, the question is, how many times? I believe that Richard has the mind to get us where we need to go.”
The Balderas brothers grew up in Santa Maria, California and are the sons of Mexican parents who immigrated to the United States. Under the care of their father and uncles, Emiliano and David, the boys were brought to a gym at a very young age to harness their energy into boxing. The brothers quickly took to the sport and combined with a strict regimen implemented by their father, began their impressive amateur careers.
Carlos was impressive in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, winning lightweight contests over fighters from Kazakhstan and Japan before a decision loss in the quarterfinals to the top seeded fighter from Cuba. He earned his spot in Rio after a stellar amateur career that saw him lose only nine times in 184 fights. His long list of accomplishments includes a Youth National Championship in 2014, four National PAL championships, a Junior National Golden Gloves championship in 2013, two Junior Olympic titles, two National Silver Gloves championships and three Adidas National tournament titles. In 2015, Balderas won four of five bouts in the World Series of Boxing, only losing due to a head butt from the top-ranked fighter from Azerbaijan in a fight in Azerbaijan that Balderas was winning. Balderas had just 10 days to recover from the injury before his next bout, but he gained medical clearance and knocked out Puerto Rico’s Javier Martinez in the second round. In October of that year, Balderas received the call from USA Boxing that he was the first American to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Jose is also a rising prospect in the sport as he made his name winning numerous tournaments in the Southern California amateur boxing circuit while racking up an impressive 80 victories in 88 fights. In addition, the bantamweight won a Junior Golden Gloves championship, two Adidas National tournaments, a National PAL title and two Junior Olympic tournaments. Jose also advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Olympic trials. Although he is a year older, Jose waited until his brother’s Olympic journey had finished to turn pro so that the two could enter the professional ranks at the same time.
Now the Balderas brothers are focusing on developing their skills so that they can one day became world champions in the professional ranks. With Ringstar Sports in their corner, Carlos and Jose are on their way to reaching the peaks of their vast potential.

Irish Ropes to host meet & greet fundraiser  Goal to eliminate local homelessness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Olympic boxing gold medalist Katie Taylor &
Other top athletes and Irish musicians invited
Dec. 3 in Mullingar, Ireland
ATHLONE, Ireland (November 7, 2016) – A special fundraiser, hosted by Irish Ropes, will be held December 3 at the Grevillle Arms Hotel in Mullingar, Ireland, highlighted by a meet-and-greet with some of Ireland’s best and most popular athletes and musicians.

Proceeds will benefit Midland Simons Community, whose goal is to eliminate homelessness in Laois, Lonford, Offaly and Westmeath.
Irish Ropes is an Ireland-based boxing promotional company that was also successful promoting out of New York City from 2003 to 2009.
“The holidays are coming and we’re raising funds to make life a little better for some disadvantaged people,” Irish Ropes president Eddie McLoughlin, who will be celebrating his 60th birthday the night of the fundraiser. “The Irish are known for their generosity and we’re fortunate to have so many popular athletes in our corner for this worth event.”
The fundraising event will offer an open microphone to singers, magicians, comedians, etc.   Suggested donations are 10 Euros per person or whatever is affordable.  Volunteers collecting donations include Terri Carey, who works at The Fashion Shop in Mullingar, and her sister, Dympna.
Invited Irish athletes include 2012 Olympic boxing champion Katie Taylor, also a multiple-time World and European Championships gold medalist, as well as some of the biggest names from the world of Gaelic football, hurling, horse racing, men’s boxing, golf, and stars from the Irish music scene.
Additional information coming, go online to www.midlandsimon.com.

BELLATOR MMA SIGNS THREE-TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION ROMERO COTTON TO EXCLUSIVE MMA CONTRACT

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (November 7, 2016) – Bellator MMA is proud to announce the signing of highly sought after wrestling prospect Romero Cotton to an exclusive, multi-fight contract.

The 26-year-old’s focus is currently set on finishing up his psychology degree at Nebraska Kearny University, but look for Cotton to make his professional MMA debut in 2017, where he will compete at 185-pounds.

“Having an opportunity to be part of a promotion like Bellator so early in my MMA career is one that I am thankful for. Being that I’m just starting out in the sport I thought it would be two or three years of grinding and working my way up the ladder before reaching a company of this magnitude,” Cotton said. “Having seen how Bellator’s recent string of wrestlers have been treated and performed, I’m honored to be the latest and there’s nothing I’m looking forward to more than showing the world my skills that I’ve acquired throughout my life not only as a wrestler, but as an athlete. Now, I move onto the next phase of my career and will continue to develop into a well-rounded fighter.”

A three-time NCAA Division II national champion at 197 lbs., Cotton is also a four-time All-American and is the first-ever three-time champion in the 111-year history of Nebraska Kearny University. He finished his collegiate career with a fantastic record of 66-10. Originally enrolled at Nebraska, Cotton also played football in college, redshirting his freshman year for the Cornhuskers, before tranferrring to UNK, where he played football for three years.

Cotton joins blue-chip amateur wrestling prospects: Aaron Pico, Joey Davis, Jarod Trice, Tyrell Fortuneand Ed Ruth on the roster and will compete in the middleweight division, which is currently championed byRafael Carvalho.

For more information on Romero Cotton, take a look at this article on FloWrestling.com.

12th annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame  Induction & awards dinner review & photo gallery

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (November 7, 2016) –  Last Friday night’s 12 TH annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (CBHOF) Gala Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner, held in the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, was a major success by all standards.  HBO “judge” and International Hall-of-Famer Harold Lederman served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.
The Class of 2016 inductees are Stamford amateur coach/boxer Orlando Montalvo, Newington former ESPN boxing director Bob Yalen, Wallingford boxer Sean Malone, Jr., New Bedford (MA) boxer “Sucra” Ray Oliveira, Waterbury judge/referee John “Duke” Lawson and Mashantucket Pequot Game & Athletic commissioner Kenny Reels.
The 2016 CBHOF award winners are its first female Boxer of the Year, Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent; Jacob Marrero, Amateur Boxer of the Year; Mike Mazzulli,Professional Boxing Official of the Year; Heather Concepcion, Amateur Boxing Official of the Year; Pete Hary, Contribution to Professional Boxing; and Carlos Nieves, Contribution to Amateur Boxing.
CBHOF president John Laudati announced the imminent opening of the new Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, located in the heart of Mohegan Sun, as well as a scholarship fund to assist young boxers in their pursuit of a higher education as they pursue their boxing dreams.
“Boxing fans will now be able to visit the beautiful Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame when they are in the casino,” Laudati said.  “Thank you to the Board of Directors for all of your efforts to make this happen.  Special thanks to Maynard Strickland, Don Trella, Mike Mazulli and Kim Baker who spearheaded the effort.
“I would also like to thank my friend, Tom Vaughn, whose father Tom, Sr., left money to donate to a worthy cause.  Tom’s dad was a boxing fan and these funds will be earmarked and grown for future scholarships to young boxers.”
Go online to www.ctboxinghof.org for additional information about the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, its 12th annual Gala Inductee Dinner, or past CBHOF inductees.
All pictures courtesy of Emily Harney Photography:
2016 CBHOF inductee Kenny Reels
2016 CBHOF inductee Sean Malone, Jr.
2016 CBHOF inductee John “Duke” Lawson
2016 CBHOF inductee Orlando Montalvo
2016 CBHOF inductee Bob Yalen
2016 CBHOF inductee “Sucra” Ray Oliveira
2016 CBHOF Professional Fighter of the Year Shelly “Shelito’s Way” Vincent
2016 CBHOF Amateur Boxer of the Year Jacob Marrero
Mike Mazzulli, 2016 CBHOF Professional Boxing Official of the Year
Pete Hary, 2016 CBHOF Contribution to Professional Boxing
 
Heather Concepcion, 2016 CBHOF Amateur Boxing Official of the Year
Carlos Nieves, 2016 CBHOF Contributor to Amateur Boxing
ABOUT CBHOF:  The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame was founded in 2004 to honor and celebrate the careers of outstanding individuals involved in the sport of boxing. Its inaugural Induction Ceremony & Dinner was held in 2005. Connecticut’s rich boxing history could never have flourished if it weren’t for the achievements of those enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
As a non-profit organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame is deeply committed to keeping the fighting spirit of Connecticut thriving through various charitable contributions.