All posts by FNU47

Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller Growing Into Heavyweight Attraction

Miller Headlines Thursday, June 4 Show at LIU (Brooklyn) Paramount Theater

BROOKLYN (June 3, 2015) – Do not make the mistake of being fooled by his nickname, “Big Baby.”
Heavyweight prospect Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller possesses adult-sized power, and he’s the one making opponents ttwice when he steps in with them, and starts unloading power shots.

The 6-4, 260 pound Brooklyn-based boxer gloves up Thursday, June 4, in Brooklyn, on a show promoted by Dmitriy Salita’s Star of David Promotions. Miller, age 26, faces off with Michigan’s Damon “Bulldog” McCreary, who sports a 15-4 record.

Miller offered his prediction of what will go down on Thursday night at the LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theater. Or, rather, who…

“I will win by first round knockout,” Miller stated. “The jab will be the key. McCreary is a jittery fighter. The jab will calm him down and then I will bring the power.”

Longer term, Miller says he’s looking to build his record to 20-0, and then? “Look out Anthony Joshua! I’m looking at you!”

Joshua is a Brit boxer, who is making noise in the heavyweight division. Miller knows he can upset his apple-cart, soon.

First up, McCreary, though. Promoter Salita spoke about the show and Miller’s promise.

“I am honored to promote the first boxing show at this historic venue, the Brooklyn Paramount Theater,” Salita said. “It will feature Brooklyn’s own undefeated heavyweight sensation Jarrell Miller, who will electrify NYC. The buzz is building around Miller, me and co-promoter Greg Cohen are keeping him busy. He also fightsJune 26.With his power, and his charisma–his smile lights up a room!–I think the sky is the limit for “Big Baby!”

The Paramount is located at Long Island University, 1 University Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
In the 8-round co-feature, Dimash Niyazov (7-0-3, 4 KO’s) of Staten Island, NY takes on Ariel Duran (8-7-1, 5 KO’s) of Queens, NY in a Jr. Welterweight bout.
In 6-round bouts:
Steven Martinez (15-2, 12 KO’s) of Bronx, NY will take on an opponent to be named in a Super Welterweight bout.
Akil Auguste (6-1, 5 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Quincy Brown (1-2, 1 KO) of Millbrook, AL in a Middleweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:
Steve Geffrard (10-2, 7 KO’s) of Miami, FL will battle Eric George (3-9) of Niagara Falls, NY in a Cruiserweight bout.
Bakhtiyar Eyubov (5-0, 5 KO’s) of Almaty, Kazakhstan will take on Jason Thompson (5-9-4, 4 KO’s) of New York in a Super Welterweight bout.
Dewayne Zeigler (4-0-1, 4 KO’s) of Montgomery, AL will fight Jeremy Graves (0-4) of Niagara Falls, NY in a Lightweight bout.

Julian Sosa (1-0) of Brooklyn, NY will take on an opponent to be named in a Welterweight bout.

Super Bantamweight Michael Stoute of Long Island, NY will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named.
Tickets for the event are on sale and can be purchased online via Ticketmaster by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

PEC was launched in April by Barclays Center developer Bruce Ratner and Onexim Sports and Entertainment, with all business operations overseen by Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. PEC and LIU Brooklyn announced recently that LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, located at Flatbush and DeKalb Avenues on the LIU Brooklyn campus, will focus on booking emerging talent. LIU Brooklyn Paramount will soon undergo a 24-month renovation and will host more than 120 events annually.

ABOUT STAR OF DAVID PROMOTIONS
Star of David Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature the brightest prospects, as well as seasoned pugilists, in and around the New York City area. Viewers have enjoyed watching Star of David fighters in recent years on Spike TV, ESPN2, MSG, and Universal Sports Network. Please visitwww.Salitapromotions.com for more information.

Fight Network Signs Exclusive Multi-Year Programming Deal with World Series of Fighting 

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

TORONTO (June 3, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, today announced an exclusive multi-year programming agreement with Las Vegas-based mixed martial arts organization World Series of Fighting(WSOF.com) to broadcast live events and the existing archive in Canada, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

The deal kicks off this weekend with a short tape delay broadcast of WSOF 21: Palmer vs. Horodecki from Edmonton Expo Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Airing June 6 at Midnight ET, the event is headlined by WSOF featherweight champion Lance Palmer defending against Canada’s own Chris Horodecki, while WSOF heavyweight champion Smealinho Rama, another Canadian, defends the coveted title against Bulgarian powerhouse Blagoi Ivanov.

 

WSOF 21: Palmer vs. Horodecki will repeat on Saturday, June 6 at 4 p.m. ET and Sunday, June 7 at 2 p.m. ET.

 

WSOF is led by president Ray Sefo, a six-time world kickboxing champion and two-time Hall of Famer. The promotion has staged 20 events to date, featuring internationally renowned superstars such as Andrei Arlovski, Anthony Johnson, David Branch, Rousimar Palhares, Jake Shields, Yushin Okami and Jon Fitch. .

 

WSOF has also spawned the careers of the next generation of MMA superstars, including reigning bantamweight champion Marlon Moraes, featherweight champion Palmer, undefeated lightweight champion Justin Gaethjeand undefeated light heavyweight Tyrone Spong.

 

The first event scheduled to air live on Fight Network is the blockbuster WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields world championship card on Aug. 1, 2015 in Las Vegas, headlined by a showcase of elite grapplers as WSOF welterweight champion Palhares defends against former Strikeforce champion and UFC title challenger Shields.

 

Also featured at WSOF 22: Palhares vs. Shields is a bantamweight title bout pitting the champion Moraes against undefeated Brazilian Sheymon Moraes, and a light heavyweight special attraction featuring Spong in the toughest test of his MMA career against heavy-handed veteran Mike Kyle, who makes his third appearance in the WSOF cage.

 

“WSOF has rapidly become one of the top promotions in North America and we’re thrilled to bring these world-class live events to our viewers,” said Chad Midgley, VP of Content at Fight Network. “Shows feature a great assortment of established names and highly touted prospects, providing a perfect balance of nostalgia for longtime fans while exposing viewers to fresh talent. With regularly scheduled events in Canada, homegrown stars can now be seen nationally across the country.”

 

“We are thrilled to partner with such a dynamic and robust television platform like Fight Network, and bring our live event programming to the highly passionate combat sports fan base in Canada where we have made a concerted effort to establish WSOF’s footprint,” said WSOF president, six-time world champion and two-time Hall of Famer, Ray Sefo.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com, follow us on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT & MP3 WITH ROBERT GUERRERO, ARON MARTINEZ, DOMINIC BREAZEALE & YASMANY CONSUEGRA

 

 

Click HERE For MP3

 

Lisa Milner

Thank you, everybody, for joining us today.  We have a very exciting call.  All four of the fighters participating on the televised portion of this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC telecast will be with us.  We are going to start with the heavyweights, and before we head to those fighters, I’m going to turn it over to Tom Brown, head of TGB Promotions to tell you a little more about the event and introduce our first set of fighters.

 

Tom Brown

Well, thank you and thank you very much to the media for joining us on this call.  TGB Promotions is very happy working again with PBC on this excellent card to be telecast on NBC this Saturday afternoon from the famed StubHub Center in Carson.  The doors openon Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with the first bell at 11:15 a.m.  We go on live TV starting at12:00 p.m. PT.  It’s a huge sports day for NBC.  They’re also telecasting the French Open, the Belmont Stakes, and game two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

 

The main event is former world champion, Robert Guerrero (32-3-1 18 KOs) out of Gilroy, California.  Robert’s no stranger to the southern California boxing fans, having posted two huge wins in recent years: the sensational 12-round decision over Andre Berto in November 2012 down in Ontario, and his epic fight-of-the-year win over Yoshihiro Kamegai on June 21, 2014 at the StubHub Center.

 

Aaron Martinez, West Covina, California has a record of (19-3-1, 4 KOs).  He made his bones on the southern California boxing circuit, and knows how valuable this opportunity to face Guerrero is on such a big platform.  Martinez never takes a backward step, never tires, and that’s his primary weapon:  incredible stamina.  With the styles of Guerrero-Martinez, this main event has all the makings of another action-packed StubHub Center war to add to the venue’s history.

 

In the televised co-main, the opening fight, we’ve got two outstanding, undefeated young heavyweight prospects:  U.S. Olympian Dominic Breazeale (14-0, 13 KOs).  He competed in the 2012 London games, and Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KOs) outstanding Cuban amateur with a perfect pro record.

 

Again, the doors will open at 11:00 a.m.  Tickets start at $25 and we’re looking forward to seeing the great boxing fans of southern California attend this great event.

 

L. Milner

We’re going to do the heavyweights now.  Dominic, could you make an opening statement before we turn it over to the media?

 

Dominic Breazeale

This is Dominic Breazeale.  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  I’m excited to be part of this fantastic card this Saturday, June 6th.  Can’t wait to get in the ring and show off my skills.

 

L. Milner

Great.  Thank you.  And Luis DeCubas Jr. is on the line to translate for Yasmany.  Luis, could you ask him to make just a quick opening statement and then translate that for us?

 

Yasmany Consuegra

I want to thank everybody on the call.  I want to thank NBC, the PBC, Al Haymon for this opportunity and all the people involved.  I look forward to a great fight.  On Saturday, I want to show everyone who I am.

 

Q

Hey, Dominic, it seems to me it’s safe to say that this is going to be your toughest opponent to date.  Would you agree with that, and if so, how excited are you to get this opportunity to move up in competition and show what you’ve been able to learn?

 

D. Breazeale

Definitely toughest competition to date thus far.  Definitely, Yasmany is 17-0, 14 KOs.  One of those guys that steps in the ring with a ton of confidence.  We’re both undefeated fighters and I was extremely excited when I got the call.  Thanks to Al and the team.  Thanks to NBC, we’ll be able to perform in front of the whole world, nationwide, and I couldn’t ask for more.  It’s a great setting, a great way to have a stepping-stone to the next level.  I want to be considered the top heavyweight and I guess you’ve got to fight top guys to get there.

 

Q

What do you know about Consuegra?

 

D. Breazeale

I know he’s got a great amateur record.  I know he did real well in Cuba, the Cuba National team.  He had some great fights here in the States.  He fought a lot in Florida.I know he’s got a boxing style.  I know he’s going to come out tough.  Cuban fighters always do.

 

Q

Dominic, you’ve had a lot of knockouts in your early career in the pros, but this is going to be your biggest fight yet with another undefeated fighter.  Can you talk about your transition from the amateur style, which obviously you had to do in the Olympics, to the professional style?

 

D. Breazeale:

Like you said, it’s going to be a big fight with a guy that’s undefeated.  I’m sure he’s coming in looking to knock me out.  I’m coming in to knock him out, for sure.  But, amateur transition into the pros, I would say was a little bit easier for myself than it was for most amateurs.  The amateurs, a lot of my wins came by way of knockouts, so I’ve been knocking guys out since day one.

 

It’s one of those things that I transitioned from putting punches in bunches to putting punches in bunches with power.  I’m throwing a lot more punches now.  I’m putting a lot more punches together with power.  Every punch I throw has got devastating power.  I not only punch with the right hand, but I can punch with the left.  So long as I make contact, somebody’s going down for sure.

 

Q

Can you talk about the experience factor?  You both fought a number of guys who have a lot of fights under their belt.  His last fight, he defeated Taurus Sykes, who’s been around for a long time, a guy with a winning record.  Tell us where you think you’re at.  Because eventually, everybody wants to become a world champion, but what level do you think you’re at and how does that compare to Yasmany?

 

D. Breazeale

I think I’m right up there, if not, definitely above him.  I’ve fought some very experienced guys and guys that have been former Olympians, as well.  Guys like Matt Galer, who have been in heavyweight ranks and considered top contenders at one point.  Me and Matt put on a great fight.

 

My last fight with Victor Bisbal, that was March 7th of this year.  He’s a Puerto Rican Olympian.  He came out with a great amateur background, very good professional background.  When I finally beat him he had fought some experienced guys as well, so I definitely have the experience there.  Not only as an amateur, but definitely as a pro, too.

 

 

Q

And a similar question for Yasmany.  To me, it looks like this is going to be your biggest fight as a pro.  Where do you think you are as a professional at this point?  Where do you think you rank overall in the professional ranks?

 

Y. Consuegra

It’s definitely my toughest fight.  Breazeale’s a real good fighter out of the pros, but I’ve also had a great amateur background.  I fought the best of the best, obviously.  The Cuban heavyweight program is much more difficult than the American heavyweight program, and he was an Olympian, but I won a lot of world amateur tournaments.  I look forward to just getting in the ring with Breazeale and showing what I’ve got, because I think I could beat Breazeale, and I think I’m ready for Breazeale.  The top guys in the division, I’m going to show them.

 

Q

Yasmany, how influenced are you by some of the great Cuban fighters and heavyweights of the past year:  Teofilo Stevenson, Felix Savon, and many others?  How much of a role have they played in influencing your style?

 

Y. Consuegra

Obviously, Cuba has a great history of Cuban amateur heavyweights.  I like to put my style more toward Savon, who is a power puncher, as looking for the knockout at all times.  And Stevenson’s a great fighter, but he’s more of a boxer, so was Roberto Balado, but that’s definitely a great point.

 

Q

How does it feel to be fighting on NBC in front of such a big network audience, especially on a day when you’re going to be right in between French Open final and Stanley Cup game.  Dominic, could you answer that first?

 

D. Breazeale

I am definitely excited.  I’ve got to thank NBC for giving me the opportunity to fight on this card.  It’s a wonderful date.  Can’t ask for anything better:  southern California, noon.  Sun’s going to be out.  The weather is going to be great.  Great venue at the StubHub Center there.  It’s definitely exciting.  Whenever I get a chance to perform in front of a hometown crowd, family and friends, and things like that, it brings out the best in me, so I’m definitely looking forward to it and, like I said, I’ve got to thank NBC, Al Haymon, Goossen Promotions for putting this all together.  My team, all of you guys, I definitely, truly appreciate it.

 

Q

And Louis, could you ask Yasmany the same question?

 

Y. Consuegra

Yeah, it’s definitely the biggest fight of my life, the biggest fight of my career.  At this moment, I’d also like to thank Dominic Breazeale for taking this type of risk.  Not too many guys are willing to take these risks to fight an undefeated heavyweight and fight the best.  So, it’s a big day for both of us, and come Saturday, I’m going to show everybody that I’m one of the top guys in the division.

 

L. Milner

Okay, great.  Thank you, both, so much.  We will see you this week for a great event.  We have the main event on the line now, so I’m going to turn it back over to Tom Brown to introduce Robert Guerrero and Aaron Martinez.  Tom, take it away.
T. Brown

Okay, great.  Thank you.  First, I’d like to introduce former world champion, Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, again, with a record of 32-3-1 and 18 KOs, making a quick return to the PBC on NBC.

 

Robert Guerrero

I just want to thank everybody for being on and I’m ready to go.

 

T. Brown

Okay, we’ve got Aron Martinez here also, with a record of 19-3-1, and he understands how valuable this opportunity is to face Guerrero on such a big platform.

 

Aron Martinez

Yeah, of course, I’m here.  It’s a great opportunity for me; I’m ready for battle.  We’re at weight and everything went pretty good at this camp, and what can I say, man?  Just excited to fight Saturday.

 

Q

Robert, you’re a guy that has fought a lot of big name fighters over a really nice career, an illustrious career.  Does it become a little more difficult to get up for a fighter like Aron Martinez who is, kind of unknown, at least as compared to the other guys that you’ve fought?

 

R. Guerrero

No, not at all.  Coming off the last fight with a loss at the short end of the stick, it drives you to be hungry.  So, that’s why I wanted to get right back into the ring, stay active.  That’s one of the biggest problems with being inactive and not having enough action throughout the year.  The year layoffs, a nine-, eight-month layoff, it really kills you, especially at that championship elite level.  It’s hard to come back and be 100 percent sharp, so the plan is to just stay sharp all year and get back on it.

 

Q

What do you know about him?  Do you watch any tapes of your opponents or anything like that?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, I’ve watched some tape on him.  I watched a few of his fights that I found on YouTube and he’s a crafty little guy.  He’s in there and he can fight on the inside.  He’s got some good counter shots and he mixes it up.  So, you’ve just got to be ready for everything all around, because you never know what’s going to come your way, especially when this is such a big opportunity for him, fighting on NBC.  You know he’s going to come 100 percent ready and that seems to happen all the time when I fight somebody.  They come 10 percent better than they were in their last couple of fights, so it’s about being prepared and being ready for whatever comes.

 

Q

Is there any concern about coming back to the ring so soon after a brutal fight like you just had three months ago?

 

R. Guerrero

Oh, no, not at all.  To me, the fight wasn’t even that brutal.  It may have been brutal for Thurman, but I was just getting started toward the end.  It actually feels good to get right back in.  I got right back into the gym three weeks after that and stayed on it.  So, after I left that ring, I still felt good.  My body felt good.  I just had that cut, got that taken care of, but other than that, I feel great.  That’s why I’m jumping right back in the ring so quick.

 

Q

I know you’re a well-known fighter throughout your career, but was there any difference after fighting on that show.  That was the most viewed fight in quite a long time, being that it was on free TV on a primetime Saturday night.  So, I just want to know if anything changed on your end, like more notoriety.

 

R. Guerrero

Definitely.  When you have a 96-year-old woman come up to you in the parking lot and say, “Man, what a great fight; that reminds me of the olden days of boxing,” it’s nice to see that.  And you see all the fans coming around and just the average person that’s at the grocery store recognizing you, it’s huge.  It’s not just huge for my career, but it’s huge for boxing.

 

Q

Did that factor into your wanting to come back so soon?  I know you said you want to stay sharp, but, obviously, staying in the public eye helps as well.

 

Robert Guerrero: Oh, definitely.  Out of sight, out of mind. So you want to stay active, you want to stay busy; you want to stay sharp.  You want to stay in the public eye to make that big run before time passes.

 

Q

Aron, I just have one question for you. You’ve been out of the ring for over a year since your fight with Josesito.  Was there any reason for that delay?  Could you just not get fights or did you just want to take the time off to clear your head?
A. Martinez

It was just with my promoter, little here and there, they were not giving me the right fights. Anybody that knows me, I stayed in the gym, because that’s what makes it easy for me, making weight.  I never have trouble making weight and that goes to show that I stay active.  I stay active in the gym and that’s what it is.

 

Q

My question is for Robert Guerrero.  I was a little disappointed to see that it took you quite a while to get into the fight with Keith Thurman.  Do you feel like that’s going to be something you’re going to change for this fight with Aron, is taking off right off the bat, first round?

 

R. Guerrero

Yeah, it goes back to being active in the ring. Everybody says, well, I feel great, there’s no ring rust, and this and that, but you truly don’t know until you get into that ring.  Then, those long layoffs really kill me.  You develop bad habits.  You lay back a little bit too much, and you end up getting started a little bit late like I did in the Thurman fight.  But when I did get started, there was no stopping me.

 

So, that’s why I want to stay active and stay in the ring.  Like I said before, it’s being inactive, not being in the ring fighting.  You develop habits where you do start off slowly and I felt like after the fight, when I looked back on it, it felt like I was starting off like I was sparring and just working into it, warming up, and then getting started.  Glad to get that fight out of the way and shake off that ring rust, and it’s time to make that push.

 

Q

First question for Robert.  Can you talk about getting up for this fight, because you fought such top level opponents and championship fights, Thurman and Mayweather and higher profile fights, and I think in this fight, you’re going to come in as a favorite.  Can you talk about making sure that you don’t overlook Aron Martinez and staying sharp and getting up mentally.

 

R. Guerrero

You never want to overlook anybody.  I don’t care who it is.  You’ve got two hands, you can throw a punch.  Anything can happen in the ring.  So, you never want to overlook anybody.  I found that out earlier in my career with a loss against Gamaliel Diaz.  I was overlooking him, thought I was going to take him out and he ended up out-boxing me.  He beat me by one point.

 

So, it’s one of those things where you live and learn.  You learn your lesson throughout the years and at this level of boxing and competition, you’ve got to just be able to get up and do your job and be prepared for everything.  So, it’s not a problem.  It’s like second nature to me.  I wake up every day.  I run.  I do my gym work.  If I don’t do it, it feels like I’m cheating, because I’ve been doing it since I was a kid.  So, it’s just being well-prepared and I’m always well-prepared for every fight, as you’ve seen through my previous fights.  I come to fight no matter what.

 

Q

What do you think your advantages are over him coming into this fight?
R. Guerrero

Maybe the arm reach, the hand speed, the height.  It’s a matter of not just having the advantages, but putting them to work and using them, and sticking to your game plan and being well prepared and being able to execute.  So, it’s time to react when you get in that ring and what you’re going to do with everything to make it happen.

 

Q

Aron, I think Robert’s going to be the one coming in as the favorite in this fight, but I just noticed on a lot of the PBC cards, there have been a lot of upsets and unexpected outcomes coming in.  Tell us why you’re going in expecting to win and what the effect is being on the PBC card on NBC.  Does that add something special to this?
A. Martinez

Yes of course.  It’s on national TV at StubHub Center, this is where I grew up.  It’s my home base.  I’ve got 23 fights.  Out of these 23 fights, I’ve never been the favorite; I’ve always been the underdog.  I’m not even supposed to be at this stage. That’s what I’m looking forward to.  I’ve never been the favorite in any of my fights, so I come out for every fight.  I know Rob, he’s an excellent champion; he’s been in with the best.  He knows I train hard for this fight because I really want it and it and I’m going to lay it all on the line. This is what I’m talking about.  I’m on to show everybody.

 

Q

You’re coming off a little over a year layoff as you explained earlier, and he’s coming off just a three-month layoff after a 12-round fight.  Do you think that’s going to factor into this fight, especially if it goes the distance?

 

A. Martinez

No.  It’s like what Robert said.  You don’t really know until you get in the ring.  We could say a bunch of things now, but you never know until you get in the ring and you actually feel it, because once you’re in the ring, it’s a whole different story, how it’s going to be.  We train really, really hard for this fight, and we’re ready.  It’s whatever I’ve got to do, I’ve got to do.  We fight inside we box, whatever.  We’re ready for whatever comes our way.
Q

Aron obviously, I know you’re up for this fight, and Robert’s already expressed that he’s trained for this fight and he’s expecting the very best from you, it’s been asked twice on this call if Robert is overlooking you.  Do you find that disrespectful that nobody is giving you a shot in this fight?  Or do you just use it as extra motivation?

 

A. Martinez

No.  I don’t find it that way.  It’s what it is.  Robert has been up there with the best.  And I don’t find it disrespectful; it’s just what it is, and it makes me train harder and just to make a point that who I am and they’re going to see Aron Martinez in there on Saturday and they’re going to see who I am.

 

L. Milner

Okay, that was our last question.  Robert, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

R. Guerrero

Yes.  I just want to thank everybody.  Thank Al Haymon and thank my team and thank everybody who’s been putting in the work to get this together, and I’m coming to fightSaturday night.  I’m ready to go.  I’m excited and going on right before the Belmont Stakes and it’s a big event leading into another big event.  So, I’m excited and I just can’t wait to fight.

 

The thing is staying active all year and doing my job and giving the fans what they love to see and giving them a great fight.  So, thank all the fans and thank everybody that’s on the conference call.  I really appreciate it and God bless everybody.

 

L. Milner

Okay, thanks.  Aaron, do you want to make a closing comment?

 

A. Martinez

Yes, I want to thank NBC, PBC and all.  Goossen for giving me this chance to show what I’ve got on Saturday, and I thank Robert, and just give a good show to everybody on Saturday, and I’m ready to push off and I’m ready to go. Thanks, everybody.
Lisa Milner: Thank you. Fight week events start tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. at the Wild Card West Boxing Gym with a media workout and I hope to see everybody there.  Thank you so much.  Thanks to the fighters.  Thanks, Tom Brown, and thanks to the media.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @NBCSports, @GHOSTBOXING, @ElPerro82, @JesusCuellarBOX & @VicDarchinyan and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, andwww.facebook.com/NBCSports.

Boxcino 2015 Jr. Middleweight champion John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson ready for next opportunity

 

For Immediate Release
 
Newark, NJ (June 3, 2015)–Just two weeks after winning the 2015 Boxcino Jr, Middleweight tournament, John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson (17-1, 6 KO’s) is already getting back in shape and wants a quick ring return.
Thompson won his title by stopping Brandon Adams in two rounds on May 22 in Corona, California, in what was the last show of ESPN Friday Night Fights.
“Everything is going well.  I am already back working out.  I have been receiving a lot of calls to do interviews and being acknowledged,” said Thompson.
“I am going back to down to camp this weekend and start preparing for my next fight.”
Thompson credits his self belief for his success and knows that the best is yet to come.
“I always had big confidence in myself.  If you don’t believe in yourself, you already lost.  My goal is to be number-one.”
“I am just ready to get back in the ring and put on a good show, entertain and continue to win,” finished Thompson.
Thompson is promoted by GH3 Promotions and Banner Promotions.
GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr., undefeated Welterweight Jerrell Harris,undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad, undefeated lightweight Oscar Bonilla and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.

Bellator Knocks Out Four Additional Preliminary Bouts for Kansas Card On June 26

 B139_PR_Banner

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (June 3, 2015) – With a complete four-fight main card already announced for “Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” on June 26, the promotion has turned its focus to the preliminary showcase with four new fights.

 

The newly announced bouts include bantamweights Jeimeson “The Minion” Saudino (8-4) vs. Aaron “The Cyborg” Ely (4-2), lightweights Bobby “Super Duper” Cooper (12-5) vs. Pablo Villaseca (9-0), as well as heavyweights Daniel “Big Kansas” Gallemore (4-2) vs. Augusto Sakai (7-0), and female featherweights Iony Razafiarison (2-0) and Bryanna “Pink Ranger” Fissori (1-0).

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov” is headlined by a heavyweight clash between French striking specialist Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) and former Bellator MMA Heavyweight World Champion Alexander “Drago” Volkov (24-5). The event takes place June 26 at Kansas Star Event Center Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

 

The night’s main card airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 6:45 p.m. ET/ 5:45 p.m. CT. Tickets for “Bellator: Kongo vs. Volkov” start at just $17 and are currently available at Ticketmaster.com.

 

Additional announced pairings on the SPIKE-televised card include lightweights Dave “The Caveman” Rickels (16-3) vs.John “The Natural” Alessio (35-17), former Bellator MMA featherweight champion Pat “Paddy Mike” Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2) and a contest between middleweight sluggers with Joe “Stitch ‘Em Up” Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1) on the event’s featured portion.

 

In a bantamweight battle between two Kansas natives, Wichita’s Saudino is a scrapper who has won half of his eight professional victories without the judge’s help. He looks to improve to nine wins against Leavenworth’s Ely, a ground game specialist who has earned all four professional victories by submission. This 135-pound bout will be a must-see showcase of Midwest MMA talent.

 

RFA and Titan FC veteran Cooper has already earned two victories in the Bellator cage and will look to make his fight at Bellator 139 three in a row. He goes up against Villaseca, a Chilean MMA prospect with an unblemished professional record at 9-0, with three knockouts and three submission finishes.

 

Emporia’s “Big Kansas” Gallemore is a heavyweight who’s hands have earned all four of his victories, three of which have taken place under the Bellator banner. He will meet the undefeated Sakai, a dangerous Brazilian striker who has finished six of seven of his opponents with either his fists or knees.

 

Iony Razafiarison is a coming off of a unanimous decision victory in her professional debut this past January, and will look to make an immediate impact in her first fight with the Bellator promotion. She will take on Bryanna Fissori, who also makes her promotional debut at Bellator 139 after winning her first career victory by knockout last October.

 

“Bellator MMA: Kongo vs. Volkov”Friday, June 26, Kanas Star Event Center Arena, Mulvane, Kansas

 

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

 

Bellator Heavyweight Main Event: Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) vs. Alexander Volkov (24-5)

Bellator Lightweight Feature Fight: Dave Rickels (16-3) vs. John Alessio (35-17)

Bellator Featherweight Feature Fight: Pat Curran (20-7) vs. Goiti Yamauchi (18-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Joe Schilling (2-4) vs. Hisaki Kato (4-1)

 

Preliminary Card 

 

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Bubba Jenkins (8-2) vs. Joe Wilk (18-10)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Jeimeson Saudino (8-4) vs. Aaron Ely (4-2)

Bellator Lightweight Prelim Fight: Bobby Cooper (12-5) vs. Pablo Villaseca (9-0)

Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Daniel Gallemore (4-2) vs. Augusto Sakai (7-0)

Bellator Featherweight Prelim Fight: Iony Razafiarison (2-0) vs. Bryanna Fissori (1-0)

DOMINIC “TROUBLE” BREAZEALE OPENS UP PBC ON NBC LIVE TELECAST & FACES UNDEFEATED CUBAN HEAVYWEIGHT YASMANY CONSUEGRA

Upland, California (June 3, 2015) – Top U.S. heavyweight prospect Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (14-0, 13 KO’s) makes his return to the ring this Saturday afternoon, June 6th at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.  Breazeale, takes another step up in competition and faces Cuban heavyweight Yasmany Consuegra (17-0, 14 KO’s) in a battle of undefeated heavyweights.  The televised bout will support the Robert Guerrero-Arron Martinez main-event and will open up the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) live telecast on NBC.

 

Photo c/o Timoteus “FOE” Hernandez

The 2012 U.S. Olympian is coming off of a solid win against heavyweight veteran Victor Bisbal this past March during the inaugural PBC on NBC series.  Breazeale showed true heart and resilience after experiencing the first knockdown of his career early in the first round of the bout.  Breazeale recovered quickly and dominated Bisbal until the bout was stopped in the fourth round, resulting in Breazeale’s 14th win and 13th by knockout. 

Immediately following the bout with Bisbal, Breazeale asked his advisor Al Haymon for another tough-quality opponent and Breazeale was granted his request. 

“My last bout with Bisbal was by far the toughest opponent I have ever shared the ring with.  He caught me with a good shot and I recovered quickly.  I shook it off and ended up stopping him a couple of rounds later.  After the bout, I wasn’t happy that I was knocked down although many people told me that I showed resilience and that is what champions are made of.  Still, I wanted another tough opponent and Al Haymon gave me the opportunity,” said Breazeale. 

In addition to the quality opponent, Breazeale now has the chance to make an impression on many avid and casual boxing fans who will be watching the bout live on NBC Saturday afternoon, an opportunity Breazeale welcomes and is thankful for. 

“This is a dream come true for me.  Some of my previous bouts have been televised in the past, but not on a prime-time network where millions of people will be tuning in and see an American heavyweight like me.  The heavyweight division is the most popular division in boxing because of its excitement and this is a bout between two undefeated heavyweights.” 

If this bout turns out as well as Breazeale has worked so hard for, he is looking to transition from a top prospect to a contender.  Since turning professional two and a half years ago, Breazeale has been on the fast track to the world heavyweight title and has been learning from every training camp and fight thereafter under the tutelage of trainer John Bray. 

“I know I still have some room to

Photo c/o Team Breazeale

grow.  I’ve been learning in the gym everyday and with every bout that I have had.  In just 14 professional bouts so far, I feel that I have fought tougher opposition at this particular point of my career than the current American world heavyweight champion did in his first fourteen bouts. With the platform I have been provided this Saturday, I intend to make the best of it and will definitely give the fans watching at home an entertaining fight and hope to make a name for myself in the heavyweight division.” 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $200, $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and service charges, are on sale now and are available for purchase online at AXS.com.

“Here Comes Trouble!

 

#

 

MIGUEL COTTO VS. DANIEL GEALE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS

WBC & RING MAGAZINE MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION COTTO TO FACE FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION GEALE ON JUNE 6, 2015 AT BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN LIVE ON HBO®

 

PRESENTED BY ROC NATION SPORTS + MIGUEL COTTO PROMOTIONS

 

NEW YORK (June 2, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions hosted the final press conference for the June 6 showdown between WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and former Two-Time World Champion Daniel Geale on Tuesday, June 2 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City. Along with the main event participants, undercard fighters Junior Younan and Zhang Zhilei were also in attendance. Other speakers included Michael Yormark (President & Chief of Branding and Strategy of Roc Nation), Hector Soto (Miguel Cotto Promotions), Freddie Roach (Cotto’s Trainer), Gary Shaw (Gary Shaw Productions), Graham Shaw (Geale’s Trainer), Brett Yormark (CEO of Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets), Peter Nelson (VP HBO Sports Programming), David Berlin (Executive Director of the New York State Athletic Commission) and Ululy Martinez (Vice Chairman of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Board of Directors). The press conference was emceed by Brooklyn Nets Public Address Announcer David Diamante.

 

PHOTOS:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zghog55phfcebgl/AADdHvtxcpbR-JVk2zOI54qPa?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Rich Kane – Hoganphotos/Roc Nation Sports

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wzeqxzlc7s79fev/AAAZBtNFUxTp3M_WOX65_pvNa?dl=0

PHOTO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports

 

VIDEO:

https://afcdmc.wetransfer.com/downloads/3f23a9e586626a96ca1668595cf3bd9a20150602192446/289ecc8fa6501bef51b475409c0db45d20150602192446/45c282

VIDEO CREDIT: Miguel Cotto Promotions/Roc Nation Sports

 

 

 

Here’s what press conference participants had to say:

 

Michael Yormark – President & Chief of Branding and Strategy of Roc Nation

 

“Led by our Chairman JAY Z and his partners, Roc Nation was founded to work with artists and entertainers to guide them and help them build their careers even beyond the boundaries of the music industry. It is fitting then, that today we stand in a setting named for the legendary BB King – may he rest in peace – an artist and a man that knew no boundaries during a career that transcended his art. In a few short years, Roc Nation itself has expanded beyond the world of music, diversifying in a way that many never thought possible. Today we begin to celebrate a landmark in that expansion, as another legend, World Champion Miguel Cotto, prepares to headline Roc Nation’s first major fight on Saturday night against Daniel Geale, live at Barclays Center and on HBO.”

 

“When Roc Nation founded its boxing division less than a year ago, we committed to doing things differently, and what you will see on Saturday night will be different. The eyes of the boxing world will be fixed on Barclays Center on Saturday, with celebrities and VIP’s lining the ring and a captivated audience watching at home. They will watch with anticipation, awaiting not only a masterful performance from the champion Miguel Cotto against a formidable opponent, but also an electric appearance from Roc Nation artist and hip-hop superstar Big Sean, as well as the voice of New York Angie Martinez, and a host of other surprises that will make this live boxing experience different from anything you’ve ever seen before.”

 

“Saturday is the start of something new and fresh for the boxing industry. It is a chance for all of us to show boxing fans, and sports and entertainment fans around the world, that the action on fight night can and will live up to the hype.”

 

 

Hector Soto – Miguel Cotto Promotions

 

“It has been several months of hard work and dedication. Puerto Rico will shine again on the night of June 6 when Miguel Cotto defends his titles successfully.”

 

 

Ululy Rafael Martinez – Puerto Rican Day Parade

 

“We’re really happy this year to formalize a relationship with Miguel Cotto thanks to Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions. I also want to thank Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions for contributing to our scholarship fund. They are helping us empower young high school students and college students we provide scholarships to so they can further their education. I’m encouraging everyone planning on coming to the Parade on June 14 to support our man Miguel Cotto On Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center for the boxing match of the year.”

 

 

David Berlin – New York Athletic Commission

 

“Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale represent the best in boxing. These are men that carry themselves with dignity both inside and outside the ring. Men who can be respectful because they don’t have to prove themselves with words. Where they prove themselves each and every time they fight is inside that ring.”

 

“Now that I am with the commission, I no longer root for fighters. I’m in a neutral role, but I do root for fights. I root for fights when fighters come into the ring and they fight hard but they leave the ring safely. I root for fights that satisfy the fans and fights where the right man has his hand raised at the end. That of course is where the New York State Athletic Commission comes in.

 

“This promises to be a competitive fight. Obviously a competitive fight means it’s a hard night for judges, but what I’m committing to the fighters and fans is that we are going to have competent, qualified and neutral officials in place and the right man is going to have his hand raised at the end of the fight. I wish both men good luck on Saturday night.”

 

 

Brett Yormark – CEO of Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets

 

“We’re expecting a great night on Saturday night. So, hopefully we see all of you. Tickets are still on sale. Saturday night represents our 13th night of championship boxing at Barclays Center since we opened the building 32 months ago and boxing plays a huge role in what we do in Brooklyn.”

 

 

Peter Nelson – Vice President of Programming HBO Sports Programming

 

“We look forward to two fighters who have always rose to every challenge that has been put in front of them. Daniel Geale had a lucrative opportunity at one point in time to make his HBO debut and he actually decided instead to go to Germany, to Felix Sturm’s backyard, fight him for his world titles and ended up lifting the titles away from him. He is naturally the largest opponent that Miguel Cotto has ever fought and he’s stepped up to every challenge that’s ever been put in front of him.”

 

“Miguel Cotto…the last time he stepped into the ring, he entered it an underdog and he ended up leaving it the lineal middleweight champion. He joined just a handful of fighters ever to win four world titles in four separate divisions and he was the first man from Puerto Rico ever to do so. He performed what I saw as one of the strangest punches ever in boxing when he touched a man on the temple and it caused his knee to twist into a knot. I’ve never seen that happen. It was an extraordinary performance.”

 

“We look to see in this fight, fighters who are going to give us moments of great bravery and great courage. These are the kind of men we want to have on the network. That’s what makes great fights.”

 

 

Gary Shaw – Gary Shaw Productions

 

“I have a personal problem with catch weights. We accepted the catch weight of 157 and I’m not here to complain about the catch weight. We’re going to make the weight. It’s going to be tough. I believe that if a fighter wants to fight at any weight that he wants to fight at, he has that opportunity, but he shouldn’t stop the opponent from fighting at the sanctioned weight which in this case is 160.”

 

“I believe Daniel Geale is going to win the fight. I believe that Miguel and his team made a mistake. If they were looking at the Golovkin fight, thinking that’s the Daniel that is going to come into the ring…it will not be that same Daniel Geale.”

 

“It’s truly an honor to represent Daniel Geale because he’s a different young man. The first time I met him, I flew to Germany. I looked around and I couldn’t identify Daniel Geale. Little did I know, he was standing against the back wall. After taking my seat at the dais, Daniel Geale walked up. I looked at him and I said “we’re in trouble! This kid looks like a choir boy not a fighter,” but he gave it all he got and he won the fight. He’s a family man. Doesn’t travel with an entourage. Always on time. Trains hard. Does everything that a true champion has to do.”

 

 

Daniel Geale – Former Two-Time World Champion

 

“This is a huge opportunity and I’m very excited. We’re so excited as a team that this fight is taking place. We’ve put a great training camp in for this fight and I’m feeling as good as I ever have. There’s no excuses. I’m going in as the best fighter I can possibly be. I’m hoping Miguel Cotto is the best fighter he can be as well. I want the fans to enjoy a great fight and I believe it will be a great fight. I can’t wait to walk away with another title. I’m going in very confident and I know a lot of people aren’t giving me much of a chance, but I have a huge amount of confidence in myself knowing I’ve completed a great training camp. Knowing that I have put everything that I possibly can into it and knowing that I have such a great team. I look forward to Saturday night.”

 

 

Freddie Roach – Cotto’s Trainer

 

“We’ve had a great training camp. Miguel is in great shape. Our sparring partners on our team have been great. And we’re ready for this fight. Gary’s been making a big deal about catch weights, but they have been around for a long time and he knows how to read a contract and he’s had that contract for a long time now, so I don’t think that’s an issue. We look forward to seeing you at the fight.”

 

 

Miguel Cotto – WBC & Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion

 

“I want to thank my lovely family for being here with my. My kids, my wife, my lovely mom. Thank you for always supporting my career no matter how hard it seems or looks to you. I love you.”

 

“I think that people are making a big issue where there does not need to be a big issue with catch weights. Freddie, back in 2009, made me go down from 147 to 145. Did anyone hear anything about Miguel Cotto disagreeing with the catch weights? No, I was a gentlemen the whole way. Catch weights were our main point to make this fight happen. Daniel and his team agreed to going down to 157 and I hope he can make weight on Friday. I hope to see everyone there on Saturday night.”

 

“Freddie brings the confidence back to Miguel. He comes every day no matter what he feels and gives his best to me. When you have this kind of person in front of you giving you his best and making sure that you are going to do your best, the only way you can pay him back is bringing your best too. We only talk about boxing when we are in the gym. He’s my trainer there, but as soon as we finish our training session, he’s my friend.”

 

 

Cotto vs. Geale, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, June 6 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and will be televised live on HBO. The fight, which is presented by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Gary Shaw Productions, will be the official kick-off event of the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Week and is sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, Jaybird, TapouT, Tequila Cazadores, Venue Kings and Nüe Resource. In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature several notable Roc Nation touches that will further serve spectators with an enhanced fan experience, including Roc Nation and Grammy nominated artist Big Sean taking to the ring for a special performance prior to the main event. The event will be hosted by notable emcee “The Voice of New York” Angie Martinez and will also feature hit master DJ Lobo who will serve alongside Martinez throughout the night. Tickets priced at $500, $250, $200, $150, $100, $80, $50, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and available for purchase atwww.barclayscenter.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first fight begins at 6:15 PM and the HBO telecast begins at 10:30 PM ET/PT.

 

For more information please visit www.rocnation.com. Follow Roc Nation on Twitter and Instagram @rocnation and on Facebook at www.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.

ERISLANDY LARA TRAINING CAMP UPDATE

Lara Takes On Delvin Rodriguez On Friday, June 12 Installment Of

Premier Boxing Champions On Spike Live From UIC Pavilion In Chicago

 

Click HERE For Photos From Francisco Perez/Team Lara

HOUSTON (June 2, 2015) – Super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs) is wrapping up his final days of training camp in anticipation of his Premier Boxing Champions on Spike debut taking place at UIC Pavilion in Chicago on Friday, June 12.

 

This edition of PBC on Spike begins at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Doors at UIC Pavilion open at 5 p.m. CT with the first fight set for 5:30 p.m. CT.

 

Before escaping communist Cuba, where Lara had to swim in dangerous waters to reach freedom, he was a decorated international amateur champion, winning numerous titles against some of today’s champions. He has followed his dream of becoming a world champion and now looks to build on his legacy.

 

Having fought some of the top names in the super welterweight division, Lara is looking to keep the momentum roaring with a dominant performance against the always tough Delvin Rodriguez.  Known as one of the most skillful fighters in boxing, Lara spoke on his recent training camp, his opponent and fighting on PBC:

 

On training camp…

“My trainer Ronnie Shields and I have been sharpening up what I do best. It’s been a long hard camp and I’m going into this fight with a 100 percent healthy body.

 

On fighting on PBC on Spike…

“PBC on Spike is a great series that shows a lot of good fights.  A lot of young fight fans are tuning into Spike on a regular basis. I want to gain new fans with a great performance.

 

On sparring with top level partners…

“I’ve been sparring with the (Jermell and Jermall) Charlo brothers and a few other top contenders. The work I’m getting is unbelievable. I feel my timing is right on point. I’m getting pushed by some of the best fighters in the world.

 

On being a Cuban-American boxer:

“For me, defecting to the United States was a shot at achieving my dream – the American dream – of being a world champion. I love my former country and look forward to the day when the world can see the talent in Cuba and allow my fellow boxers the chance to truly pursue their dream. This is my dream, and it’s come true.

 

On fighting in Chicago…

“I know there’s a lot of great boxing fans in Chicago. I’m coming to put on a great show for everyone and I’m going to look electrifying on fight night.

 

On fighting Delvin Rodriguez…

“Since this fight is for my world title, I know Delvin Rodriguez is hungry for victory. He’s my main focus and all my concentration is on the defeating him.”

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.spike.com/shows/premier-boxing-champions, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @LaraBoxing, @DRodriguez1980, @WarriorsBoxProm and @SpikeTV and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoandwww.Facebook.com/Spike.

INCA KOLA to unveil custom ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPER at RFA 26

 

 

INCA KOLA to unveil custom ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPER
Friday, June 5th at RFA 26
in Broomfield, Colorado
WinThisChopper.com sweepstakes to support
Easter Seals New York’s Veterans Count
 
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) and Inca Kola USA announced today that the debut of an Orange County Choppers (OCC) custom-built motorcycle designed for Inca Kola will debut at RFA 26 – Smith vs. Smith this Friday, June 5th. The chopper will be the awarded to a lucky winner entered in Inca Kola’s sweepstakes WinThisChopper.com. The proceeds from the sweepstakes will benefit Easter Seals New York’s Veterans Count and educational programs.

RFA president Ed Soares shared his thoughts on the promotion.
“RFA is proud to have had such a long relationship with Inca Kola,” stated Soares. “We are honored to host the debut of Orange County Choppers custom-built Inca Kola motorcycle at RFA 26 in Colorado. The WinThisChopper.com sweepstakes is a great way to raise awareness and funds for Easter Seals New York’s Veterans Count and educational programs.”
Orange County Choppers co-founder Paul Teutul, Sr. shared similar sentiments.
“The entire team at Orange County Choppers is honored to be working with Inca Kola to raise awareness and donations for Easter Seals and Veterans Count,” stated Paul Teutul Sr.
Inca Kola has been a longtime sponsor of the RFA dating back to RFA 7 in March 2013, which took place at the same venue that Friday night’s festivities are set to take place. “The Golden Kola” has become a very prominent brand seen at live RFA events and nationwide through the RFA’s television deal with AXS TV. Inca Kola’s COO Randy Berman sees the WinThisChopper.com sweepstakes as a way to parlay Inca Kola and the RFA’s relationship and bring nationwide awareness to a great cause that will culminate this fall when a winner of the Orange County Choppers custom-built Inca Kola motorcycle is announced.
“We are really proud of our partnership with all of the vendors that have participated in this project including Orange County Choppers, Resurrection Fighting Alliance, and AXS TV,” Berman explained. “We are certain that their participation will make this promotion for Easter Seals Veterans Count a huge success.”

RFA 26 – Smith vs. Smith takes place this Friday, June 5th at the 1STBANK Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The main card will feature six professional fights televised live and nationwide on AXS TV at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
RFA 26 will be headlined by a welterweight title bout as RFA welterweight champion Benjamin Smith (14-2) puts his title on the line against RFA #1 welterweight contender Gilbert Smith (10-4). The main card will also feature a pair of bantamweight bouts. NCAA Division I wrestler Jarred “Shutout” Mercado (12-2) will lock horns with jiu-jitsu black belt Bruno Frazatto (6-2), while Hawaiian knockout artist Boston “Boom Boom” Salmon (3-0) will clash with collegiate wrestler Danny Mainus (3-3). Also on the main card, former RFA middleweight title challenger Andrew “El Dirte” Sanchez (5-2) squares off with Respect FC and SFFN middleweight champion Clinton Williams (5-1) and undefeated heavyweight prospect Brandon Griffin (4-0) battles The MMA Lab destroyer Ashley Gooch (7-4).
170 CHAMPIONSHIP:
Ben Smith vs Gilbert Smith
155 CO-MAIN EVENT:
Thiago Alves vs Marcus Edwards
135 Feature Bout:
Jarred Mercado vs Bruno Frazzato
265 Feature Bout:
Brandon Griffin vs Ashley Gooch
185 Feature Bout:
Andrew Sanchez vs Clinton Williams
135 Feature Bout:
Boston Salmon vs Danny Mainus
Please visit RFAfighting.com for bout updates and information. RFA is also on Facebook at Facebook.com/RFAfighting, Instagram at @RFAfighting, and Twitter at @RFAfighting.
About RFA: RFA is a professional mixed martial arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. The RFA presents live events on a monthly basis around the United States including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver and Milwaukee. RFA can be seen live in over 43 million homes nationally through its television deal with AXS TV. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, RFA is one of the most active and respected MMA organizations in the fastest growing sport in the world. (The Octagon, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, UFC®, and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC. All rights reserved).
About AXS TV Fights: AXS TV Fights is renowned for its universally recognized Friday Night Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing events. As Your Home For MMA, AXS TV utilizes an expansive network of promotions from the United States, Canada, and Europe. And Asia to broadcast more LIVE fights than any other television network. “The Voice” Michael Schiavello and five-time MMA world-champion Pat Miletich provide viewers expert play-by-play, in-depth fighter coverage, and extensive analysis to each fight card. AXS TV broadcasts world-class LIVE fight events from RFA, Lion Fight, Legacy FC, and MFC every Friday night at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.

Fight Report: Corito Reigns Supreme In Title Clash – Laamouz Stops Mukhamadiyarov as New Stars Farrugia and Brown Shine.

Report: Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro

Photos: Viktor Vella

 

 

On Friday night, in the grounds of the incredibly beautiful Monte Kristo Estates in Hal Luqa, Malta, local boxing fans were treated to a magnificent night of International boxing.

 

The event, which was headlined by the MBC International Heavyweight title clash between Malta’s very own ‘King’ Billy Corito and the big hitting (18 KO’s from 27 wins) Latvian Edgars Kalners, was the first event from new promoters Steve Carauna and Mark Calleja, along with a little help from experienced British promoter Stephen Vaughan.

 

Right from the opening bell Corito went straight on the attack, landing a big right to the head, Kalners stood his ground and shot out a strong jab, only to receive another big right hand that connected flush.

 

What followed next was a controlled exchange between both protagonists that had many of the highly vocal fans on their feet and cheering on their man.

 

After a fairly frenetic start both fighters settled into a slower pace for the rest of the round.

 

Round two was fought at a good pace, with both men exchanging big shots throughout.

 

Without doubt both the first couple of rounds were fairly close, although surely could only be scored in favour of Corito due to him not only being the busier but also his shots showed way more intent, but the third was a totally different affair.

 

Corito slowly ground his man down, forcing Kalners back constantly with a series of powerful salvos, a number of which shook the big Latvian to the core, each time the local crowd became more vocal in encouraging their man to step up the attacks, which on some occasions he did much to the delight of the partisan crowd.

 

More of the same from Corito in the fourth, however Kalners seemed to have lost the will to go toe-to-toe, which made the round very much a one sided affair, with Kalners covering up often and allowing Corito to let rip with big right hands.

 

During one of the exchanges Kalners seemed to be caught in the rib area and as he went to shoot out a right hand of his own let out a cry of pain, after which pulled his right arm across his chest and began to turn away from his forward advancing foe.

 

Corito cautiously moved forward and looked toward referee Lee Murtagh for guidance on whether he should continue the attack or not on the stricken Latvian.

 

Whilst a gentlemanly act from Corito, it almost cost him dear as Kalners turned and threw out a strong jab and looked set to throw a big right.

 

Corito responded with another salvo of big rights and kept up the pressure until the end of the round.

 

Coming out in the fifth Kalners seemed sluggish and was breathing heavily, clearly in some form of discomfort, however Corito was not going to make the same mistake as in the previous round and once again began throwing big right hands at every conceivable opportunity.

 

For virtually the whole round it was Corito walking his opponent down, throwing big right hands to head and body, then in the dying seconds of the round Corito stepped up the pressure once more.

 

When the bell rang Corito turned and headed straight to his corner, however Kalners appeared disoriented for a few seconds before finally heading back to his corner, referee Lee Murtagh showed some concern, as did MBC Chief Medical officer Dr Mark Xuereb, who immediately headed to Kalners’ corner and began checking over the distressed Latvian.

 

As the minute break was coming to an end the referee stepped forward, as it was clear that Kalners was in no position to continue and waved the bout off just as the opening bell for round six rang.

 

Have to say I’ve seen Billy Corito in action a number of times, he’s always been good for the money, but this time he was magnificent.

 

Credit in part must go to Corito’s coach, former WBU World Champion Shea Neary, who came up with a game plan that surprised most, gone were the big haymaker’s Corito is so well known for, instead Corito was controlled, good head movement and his punches were crisp, sharp and more importantly nearly always bang on target.

 

Word is that Corito’s team were so impressed with his performance that discussions are already underway for a mouth watering showdown later this year with a certain big name British Heavyweight.

 

The main support see Pieta, Malta’s Haithem Laamouz in action against Russia’s Ravil Mukhamadiyarov.

 

Laamouz took the fight to the more experienced Mukhamadiyarov right from the start and kept up the pressure throughout the first couple of rounds.

 

Early on in the second Laamouz landed a cracking body shot that sent Mukhamadiyarov to the deck, as referee Lee Murtagh reached the 8 count surprisingly the tough Russian jumped to his feet. The plucky lad surprised most observers by making it to the end of the round despite Laamouz’s efforts to finish the fight early.

 

From the third on the pressure from Laamouz was clearly proving too much for Mukhamadiyarov, the Russian covering up and only occasionally responding with an ineffective jab to keep the Maltese lad at bay.

 

Early in the fifth round Laamouz backed Mukhamadiyarov onto the ropes and began a non-stop assault, until referee Lee Murtagh stepped in to save the Russian from further punishment on the one minute and thirty seven second mark.

 

Supporting the pro bouts were a number of International Novice Pro and semi-pro bouts between local boxers and a team from the United Kingdom.

 

The Novice Pro is a recently introduced division featuring boxers with limited amateur or unlicensed boxing experience but wishing to compete in the professional division.

 

The Novice Pro division is operated under full professional boxing rules and with the same medical requirements as the professional division.

 

The main differences between Novice Pro and Pro bouts are that, only Novice Pro licensed boxers can compete against another Novice Pro Licensed boxer and that the rounds are of two minute duration, not three as in the pro ranks.

 

OK, so now that’s explained let’s get back to the action.

 

The final Novice Pro bout see Malta’s Malik Zinad against UK’s William O’Reilly in a six, two minute round contest for the vacant WBU Europe Novice Pro Light Heavyweight title.

 

These two warriors went to war right from the opening bell, both giving their all for every single second of every round.

 

In the fourth Zinad stepped up the pace, occasionally forcing O’Reilly onto his back foot, it was later during one of these forceful attacks that Zinad began letting rip with some mighty bombs, one of which was just a tad off target and the thumb of his glove accidently entered the eye socket of the English lad, no surprise that as it did O’Reilly let out a shocked scream of pain as he headed for the canvas.

 

Dr Xuereb and his medical team were by the clearly distressed Englishman’s side in an instant, literally as referee Lee Murtagh waved the bout off.

 

I’m pleased to say that I had spoken with William O’Reilly since and he is absolutely OK and there is no lasting damage to his eye.

 

Prior to Zinad-O’Reilly was Malta’s Kerstin Brown against the UK’s Nathan Lavery, for the vacant WBU Europe Novice Pro Super Bantamweight title.

 

Young Brown is definitely one to watch and judging on his performance on Friday night is destined to become a future star, think of a younger Carl Frampton and that’ll give you an idea of just how classy and exciting young Brown is.

 

From start to finish the youngster controlled the bout like a seasoned pro, his ring craft was supreme, cutting off the ring to keep Lavery pinned against the ropes before closing in and letting rip with lightning fast double handed flurries.

 

Nobody was surprised when the score cards were read out, a shutout 60-51 in favour of Brown, as he really dominated the bout from start to finish, outboxing his taller opponent in sensational fashion.

 

The first Novice Pro bout featured Malta’s Max Farrugia against the UK’s Lewis Burns in a four rounder.

 

As with young Kerstin Brown, Farrugia is another emerging star, this kid has it all, think Junior Witter in his younger days, slick, switch boxing with so much panache it is mouth watering to watch.

 

From start to finish Farrugia out boxed his tough opponent, at times he made it look too easy, but believe me it wasn’t as Burns is one tough cookie and gave his all for every second of every round, just Farrugia is a class act, one that will be a great addition to the pro ranks that’s for sure.

 

After four sensational round the ringside judges scored the bout 40-36 (twice) and 40-37 in favour of the deserving Max Farrugia.

 

What a cracking fight and as with the other Novice Pro bouts, easily equal in quality to the full pro bouts.

 

The results for the semi-pro bouts are:

 

Noel Lebrun (Malta) vs Jonathan Dean (UK)

 

Judges Scores – Majority Decision in favour of UK’s Jonathan Dean.

Lee Murtagh 27-30, Darren Mairs 29-29 and Steve Farrugia 28-29

 

Goran Bogdanovic (Malta) vs Bradley McDonnell (UK)

 

Judges Scores – Split Decision in favour of Malta’s Goran Bogdanovic.

Lee Murtagh 29-28, Darren Mairs 29-30 and Steve Farrugia 29-28