All posts by FNU47

Fight Network, martial arts, mixed martial arts

Fight Network Presents KSW 31, UFC 187 Pre & Post-Fight Coverage & Enfusion Live 29 this Weekend 

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TORONTO | NEW YORK (May 21, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, continues its loaded week of live fights this weekend, building off the momentum of live telecasts of ONE Championship: Warrior’s Quest andHard Knocks Fighting 43 on Friday, May 21.

 

Poland-based MMA powerhouse KSW returns on Saturday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET, as KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal emanates from Gdansk’s Ergo Arena, headlined by a clash for the KSW middleweight title, as Polish compatriots Michal Materla (21-4) and Tomasz Drwal (21-4-1) vie for 185-pound supremacy.

 

Fight Network’s live broadcast of KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

The KSW light heavyweight title is also on the line as Slovakian former Bellator kingpin Attila Vegh (29-5-2) battles Croatian former UFC contender Goran Reljic (14-4)

 

In another blockbuster pairing, Polish strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski (8-3) faces one of his toughest career tests against submission ace Rolles Gracie (8-3).

 

In other featured bouts, Polish heavyweight Karol Bedorf (11-2) meets seasoned Australian strikerPeter Graham (10-8), Brazilian UFC veteran Jay Silva (9-9-1) throws down with Germany’s Aziz Karaoglu (7-6) in middleweight action, Polish light heavyweights Tomasz Narkun (9-2) and Karol Celinski (12-5-1) are on a collision course, plus Kamil Szymuszowski (12-4) and Maciej Jewtuszko (11-2) meet in a clash of top Polish welterweights.

 

Following KSW 31: Materla vs. Drwal, the attention shifts to the sport’s biggest stage, as UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier airs live on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

 

But first, Fight Network presents the UFC 187 Weigh-ins Live on Friday, May 21 at 7 p.m. ET, as middleweight champion Chris Weidman and challenger Vitor Belfort tip the scales in Las Vegas, plus Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Daniel Cormier go toe-to-toe ahead of their vacant light heavyweight title showdown.

 

On Saturday, May 22, Fight Network has all the pre-fight coverage leading into the highly anticipated event with the UFC 187 Pre-Show Live at 7 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis.

 

Post-fight coverage, highlights, reactions and the live press conference will air immediately following the event on Fight Network’s UFC 187 Post-Show Live.

 

In addition to all the live pre and post-fight coverage, Fight Network is the Canadian destination for UFC library content, specials and series, including UFC Unleashed, UFC Now, UFC Ultimate Insider and classic UFC PPV events. All airings are listed at tv.fightnetwork.com.

 

On Sunday, May 23, live kickboxing will take over the airwaves at 3 p.m. ET, as Enfusion Live 28emanates from Amsterdam, Holland.

 

The event will feature a one-night, single-elimination -70 kg tournament. In opening round bouts, Turkey’s Tayfun Ozcan and Fatih Ozkan battle Morocco’s Redouan Larkoubi and Aziz Kallah, respectively.

 

Additionally, Dutch female stars Rachel Adamus and Sheena Widdershoven will vie for the Enfusion -67 kg world championship.

 

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

NEF THANKS MILITARY WITH FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY

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Lewiston, Maine (May 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced a free ticket giveaway for all past and present United States military personnel to coincide with Memorial Day weekend.

 

“This is something we’ve done in conjunction with Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the past, and we’ve given away hundreds of tickets,” said NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson.  “It is the most important promotion we do all year.  It’s our small way of saying ‘thank you’ to those who serve and sacrifice so much for our nation.  Come down to the Colisee box office today or Fridaymorning, present your military ID and get your free ticket.  It’s as simple as that.”

 

The ticket giveaway will take place at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee box office from the hours of noon to 5:00 pm today, Thursday, May 21, 2015, and the hours of 9:00 am to noontomorrow, Friday, May 22, 2015.  The Colisee is located at 190 Birch Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240.  The giveaway is open to all branches of the military.  Personnel must present a valid military identification card at the box office window.  There will be a limit of one ticket per identification card.

 

Tickets for “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

FEATHERWEIGHT BATTLE ADDED TO NEF XVIII FIGHT CARD

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Lewiston, Maine (May 21, 2015) – New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, will hold its eighteenth mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA,” on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine.   Earlier today, the promotion announced the addition of an amateur featherweight bout to the fight card.  The matchup will feature Jeremy Tyler (4-3) facing Johnny Crafts (3-0) at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

Jeremy Tyler will be making his return to the NEF cage after an extended absence of nine months.  A member of Marcus Davis’s famed Team Irish gym in Brewer, Maine, Tyler will look to rebound from the first back-to-back losses of his career.  Both of those losses came to Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) competitors.  It is a gym affiliated with Johnny Crafts’ team New England United (NEU), so the June 13 fight will be an opportunity for Jeremy to gain a measure of revenge as well.  Like his opponent at “NEF XVIII,” Tyler has proven himself a submission specialist with all four of his victories coming by way of capitulation.

 

“I’m very excited to be stepping into the NEF cage for the first time in 2015,” said Tyler.  “I am looking forward to the opportunity to fight John Crafts who is a highly ranked MMA fighter with a very good Jiu Jitsu game.  I believe the NEF fans will be very happy with the match-up and feel this will make for an entertaining fight. Expect to see an improved performance from me. I took some time off after my last fight to focus, build upon my technique and add to my overall skill sets.  I am ready to unleash the game I’ve been developing in the cage so June 13th can’t get here fast enough.”

 

Originally scheduled to challenge for the NEF MMA Amateur Bantamweight Championship at “NEF XVIII,” Johnny Crafts was left without a fight after his original opponent pulled out due to injury. That was until Jeremy Tyler stepped up to the challenge this week. This fight will mark the first time Johnny Crafts, who holds a brown belt in BJJ, has competed above the bantamweight limit of 135-pounds.  Crafts was voted the “2014 Rookie of the Year” by NEF fans.

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting Jeremy Tyler,” said Crafts.  “He’s a well-rounded fighter with good experience.  I’m looking to test the waters at 145 for my first time and see how I feel fighting up.  I was pretty disappointed in the title fight falling through, but I assure everyone that this fight will be just as exciting to watch.”

 

Tickets for “NEF XVIII: MADE IN AMERICA” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com.  In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

boxing, Ring 8

Daniel Jacobs & Harold Weston Ring 8 Guest Speakers pictures

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(L-R) – 2015 New York State Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Harold Weston and WBA middleweight champion Daniel Jacobs were guest speakers at last night’s Ring 8 monthly meeting.  Former world middleweight champion

Vito Antuofermo is to the far right.

 

(photo by Stanley Janousek)

ABOUT RING 8: Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto still remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.

 

RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.

 

Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, with a current boxing license or book are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.

 
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC FIGHTER MEDIA WORKOUTS QUOTES & PHOTOS

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Click HERE For Photos From Carly Gillis Photography

 

BOSTON (May 20, 2015) – Fighters took part in a media workout at The Ring Boxing Club in Boston Wednesday to kick off fight week for this Saturday’s Premier Boxing Champions on NBC card at Agganis Arena that is headlined byAndre Dirrell vs. James DeGale with coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

See here what the participants had to say Wednesday:

 

ANDRE DIRRELL

 

“I always knew my day would come. I put in the work, I love this sport so I give it what I owe.

 

“I’m happy to get a shot at another title. I’m not going to take it for granted. I’m going to put in my work and perform to the best of my ability and that will make me a world champion.

 

“I’m glad to be getting in there with somebody who believes he can win. I want someone who will test me like I’ll test them. That’s a real championship fight.

 

“I’m much hungrier than I was early in my career and I’m more focused mentally. With age comes wisdom. Everything I went through is all a blessing.

 

“My goals are set and I’m going to accomplish every one.”

 

JAMES DEGALE

 

“Dirrell’s team is trying to get in my head. They must be scared. I’m wound up and I’m ready.

 

“I’m obsessed with making history. It’s what drives me to work so hard in the gym and succeed in the ring.

 

“It’s been a 16-week camp come fight night, so it’s been a long time. My body and mind feel ready to fight, I am so sharp and in a very good place.

 

“He’s a tricky, talented, confident fighter – he believes in his ability. He said that he would not get beaten again in his career, and I am sure he believes that 100 percent. So you have two very confident fighters going into the ring on Saturday.

 

“I’m going to show everybody who I am. I’m driven to become the first Olympic gold medalist from the U.K. to win a world title and I’m doing it for my country.”

 

EDWIN RODRIGUEZ

 

“It’s an extremely important fight because it’s so close to my home.

 

“I’m excited to be fighting on NBC. This is a great opportunity for me to be back at the elite level.

 

“It’s important for me to get this win and get into a big fight against the best. I know I have to look impressive and that’s what I plan on.”

 

DANNY O’CONNOR

 

“I was disappointed in my fight with Paulie Malignaggi dropping out but there are always positives and one of them is that I’m now fighting in my hometown of Boston.

 

“I do a lot of work in and out of the ring to prepare for a fight. I’m full focused now on fighting Chris Gilbert.

 

“I want to thank all the people who helped get me onto this card, including Murphys Boxing, I promise I’m going to put on a show come Saturday.”

 

CHRIS GILBERT

 

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I’ve known about Danny since I started boxing and I’ve even been on a few cards with him.

 

“Danny has been the top New England fighter in my division and you always want to compare your skills with somebody like him.

 

“I was in Vermont and I’m always in top shape prepared to get a call to fight and this here is that big opportunity.”

 

GARY “SPIKE” O’SULLIVAN

 

“This is absolutely awesome fighting here and it’s a very important fight for me to go win.

 

“When I knock out my opponent on Saturday, I want to be the number one contender in the division and fight all the big names.”

 

RYAN KIELCZWESKI

 

“It’s awesome fighting in Boston in front of my home crowd with all of my friends, family and friends in attendance.

 

“Fighting on the undercard of this huge event with so many great fights makes the experience even better and one I’ll never forget.”

 

#          #          #

The Saturday, May 23 edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC features Andre Dirrell (24-1, 16 KOs) andJames DeGale (20-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round super middleweight showdown and Edwin Rodriguez (26-1, 17 KOs) vs.Craig Baker (16-0, 12 KOs) in 10-round light heavyweight match up. Live coverage of this special Memorial Day weekend afternoon edition of PBC on NBC starts at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT on NBC and goes until 6:00 pm. ET/3:00 p.m. PT when the action switches over to NBCSN from 6:00 p.m. ET/3:00 p.m. PT until 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC
boxing

Banner Promotions signs undefeated and world ranked Jr. Welterweight Mauro Maximiliano Godoy

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Philadelphia, PA (May 20 2015)— Banner Promotions is pleased to announce the signing of undefeated and world ranked Jr. Welterweight contender Mauro Maximiliano Godoy to an exclusive promotional contract.
Godoy, 25 years old of Centenario, Argentina, has a record of 19-0 with 8 knockouts and is the current Argentina Super Lightweight champion and the WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight title.  He is currently ranked number-9 by the WBO.
“We are happy to get this young contender in the fold,” said Banner Promotions President Arthur Pelullo.
“He comes on great recommendation from Daniel Castro who has been working with him.  We have seen some footage, and we feel Mauro has the potential to be a star here in the United States and throughout the world.  He has many options, as the 140 pound division is loaded with quality talent, and we expect to get him a major fight sooner rather than later.”
Said Daniel Castro, representative for Godoy, “Mauro is very happy
to sign with Banner Promotions, which is one of the major promoters in the world.  He is looking to have good opportunities to become a world champion in the future.  He is a hard working fighter who is always in the gym and ready to fight.  We saw what Banner has done with Ruslan Provodnikov, and Mauro wants good fights and maybe an opportunity to fight Provodnikov.”
Godoy has fought his entire career in Argentina, and he won the WBO Latino Jr. Welterweight crown with a 5th round stoppage over Federico Malespina on May 9, 2014.  He won the vacant Argentina Super Lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Cesar Inalef (18-3-1) on September 19, 2014.  Godoy made his only defense in his last bout when he stopped Jorge Fredes in 6 rounds on November 21, 2014.
Fight Network, mixed martial arts

Fight Network Presents Hard Knocks Fighting 43

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LIVE this Friday, May 22 at 11 p.m. ET

TORONTO | NEW YORK (May 20, 2015) – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a live broadcast of Hard Knocks Fighting 43 this Friday, May 22 at 11 p.m. ET from Markin MacPhail Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

 

Fight Network’s broadcast will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and globally in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

 

In the main event, Calgary-based Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai black belt Nick Ring (13-3) makes his first post-UFC appearance against MFC and King of the Cage veteran Jason Zentgraf (8-2).

 

Hard Knocks light heavyweight champion Misha Cirkunov (8-2) makes his first defense of the championship in his co-main event clash with Shaun Asher (10-1-1), who makes his promotional debut riding a five-fight winning streak.

 

The Hard Knocks welterweight championship is also on the line as titlist Sergej Jusekic (14-7-2) looks for his fourth straight win opposite Grudge Training Center product LT Nelson (6-2).

 

In other pro matchups, Joel Powell (8-5) battles Jordan McKay (7-2) in the welterweight division, lightweights Aaron Gallant (6-6) and Mike O’Neill (4-4) will square off, Owen Carr (5-3-1) takes onRyan Connor (5-2) in a bantamweight bout, light heavyweights Devon Smith (1-1) and Trent Rowell(2-3) throw down, plus flyweight Keegan Oliver (2-3) meets the debuting Derek Folk (0-0).

 

Fight Network’s live broadcast airs following IMPACT Wrestling from 9 to 11 p.m. ET in Canada, and live globally at 11 p.m. ET.

 

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

Boxcino Jr. Middleweight finals by the numbers

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ORANGE, Calif. (May 20, 2015) – ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” final broadcast features two outstanding fights in the heavyweight and junior middleweight divisions that will decide the 2015 Boxcino Champions.

 

The 10-round junior middleweight final showcases Boxcino tournament veteran Brandon Adams (16-1, 12 KOs) of Los Angeles against the smooth boxing skills of John Thompson (16-1, 5 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey. The finalists will compete for the Boxcino crown on Friday, May 22, from the Omega Products Outdoor Arena in Corona, Calif. Also on the line – the NABA Interim Super Welterweight title, and the WBO Intercontinental Junior Middleweight belt.

 

Tickets for the Boxcino Finals are priced at $50, $70, & $100, and are available for purchase online at ThompsonBoxing.com or by calling 714-935-0900.

 

The double main event features heavyweight talents Donovan Dennis (14-2, 11 KOs) of Davenport, Iowa and Andrey Fedosov (27-3, 22 KOs) of Russia in a 10-round fight to determine the 2015 Boxcino Heavyweight Champion. Dennis-Fedosov will also fight for the WBA Fedelatin and WBO Intercontinental heavyweight titles.

 

Brandon Adams– 17-1, 12 KO’s                                          John Thompson– 16-1, 5 KO’s

Los Angeles, CA                                                                Newark, NJ
Nickname–“The Cannon”                                                    “Apollo Kidd”

Age: 25                                                                             Age: 26
Has won 3 straight bouts (all by stoppage)                           Has won two straight bouts
66.7 KO %                                                                         29.4 KO%
Has fought 74 rounds (4.1 Rounds/Bout)                              Has fought 78 rounds (4.59 Round/Bout)

5’9″                                                                                   6’1″

70″ Reach                                                                         NA

Opp Rec: 157-99-16                                                          100-45-9

The Omega Products Outdoor Arena is located at 1681 California Ave., Corona, CA 92881 and can be reached at 951-737-7447. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. PT. and the first bout begins at 6:15 p.m. PT.

For additional information please visit www.banner-promotions.com& ThompsonBoxing.com and. For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram@bannerboxing and @ThompsonBoxing.
boxing

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN FROM SPORTS INDUSTRY HONORED AT TITANS OF THE TRADE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

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May 2 Installment Of Annual Breakfast Celebrated Hard Working Professionals in Sports and Entertainment

Las Vegas (May 20) – Mayweather Promotions kicked-off the Saturday, May 2 Mayweather vs. Pacquiao festivities with the Titans of the Trade breakfast entitled “Breakfast of Champions,” in celebration of the hard working professionals in sports and entertainment.  This year, the Titans of the Trade Committee honored three formidable women who have forged their own paths to success in the sports industry – renowned sportscaster Lesley Visser, former world champion Mia St. John and New York State Athletic Commission Chairwoman Melvina Lathan.

 

“I accept this award on behalf of anyone who has faced the odds and over came them,” said Visser. “Mandela once said, ‘Sport has the power to change the world,’ and I agree because this honor I’ve received today is an example of how sport has changed the world.”

 

In addition to the honorees, there was a full program of speakers and other activities. Guest speakers included boxing legend and Hall of Famer Lucia Rijker and Andrea Haynes and Dr. Rena Menard of the United States National Committee for United Nations Women (Houston Chapter).

 

Haynes and Menard spoke specifically about HeForShe, a solidarity movement for gender equality developed by UN Women to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights. The campaign encourages them to speak out and take action against inequalities faced by women and girls.

 

“Why I’m passionate about the HeForShe campaign is because it is important that we get the men involved to support us,” said Haynes. “UN Women and He for She is dear because what it’s saying is that we all recognize that for us to be better and do better, we have to support our women.”

 

Titans of the Trade has created a platform for the revered honorees, noteworthy speakers and worthy causes to be front and center on the biggest days of the boxing calendar and will continue to do so moving forward.

 

“What started as a women-only event with 25 attendees has grown to a Floyd Mayweather fight day tradition with over 100 women and men from across the sports industry and it has been a pleasure to see the event thrive,” said Nicole Craig, Vice President of Marketing and Operations for Mayweather Promotions.  “This year we honored three incredible women and welcomed new guests that got the opportunity to network and form lasting relationships.”
boxing, NBC, Premier Boxing Champions

BIG-TIME BOXING RETURNS TO BOSTON ON SATURDAY, MAY 23 WITH PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON NBC

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TAKE A LOOK BACK AT BOSTON’S RICH BOXING HISTORY

 

BOSTON (May 20, 2015) – Boston is known for being home to some of the most passionate sports fans in the country, but many may not know that it is also a city that has had a long and rich history with the sweet science. On Saturday, May 23, world championship boxing is officially back in Beantown when Premier Boxing Champions on NBC returns with a showdown between Andre Dirrell and James DeGale at Boston University’s Agganis Arena with coverage on NBC beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

 

The last time Boston saw a world championship fight was May 23, 2006 when two world title fights took place at TD Bank Garden, formerly the Boston Garden. That night saw British superstar Ricky “Hitman” Hatton defeat Luis Collazo in a welterweight world title fight, while Eric Aiken upset previously undefeated Valdemir Pereira for a featherweight world title.

“Fighting in the Boston Garden was a great honor, never mind in a world title fight, but even a four rounder,” said Tony DeMarco, who won the welterweight world title in 1955 at the Boston Garden. “I had more fights there than anybody (28), including my pro debut. It’s always good fighting at home. You’re more comfortable at home. The fans know and honor you. Boston fans were real fight fans.”

 

Boston has been deeply invested in boxing since the early 20th century. From 1902-1908 the small town of Chelsea that borders Boston became the mecca for boxing as the sport was banned throughout most of America. However, Chelsea had a special ordinance that legalized boxing. It was during this time that Jack Johnson was faced with what he admitted was the toughest fight of his career, when he defended his heavyweight title against Sam Langford on April 6, 1906. Johnson won by a 15-round unanimous decision and refused to fight Langford again.

 

In addition, Fenway Park, famed home of the Boston Red Sox, hosted 29 professional boxing cards between 1919 and 1956. Beyond just hosting big fights, Boston has also produced a slew of Hall of Fame talent who were either born in Massachusetts or called the state home.

 

Noteworthy names include Roxbury heavyweight champions John L. Sullivan, Brockton heavyweight Rocky Marcianoand Brockton resident and middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Boston’s own featherweight championsSandy Saddler and George Dixon plus Boston promoter Rip Valenti have all been enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

“Fighting in Boston was a great experience,” said John Ruiz, a two-time heavyweight world champion from Chelsea. “Like any sport, Boston sports fans are true fans who follow your progress.  I could feel their emotion wherever I fought.  I will never forget them. I fought in Las Vegas a lot and there were always Boston fans there supporting me.  I always appreciated them traveling all over the country to my fights.”

 

A father-son duo from Arlington, Mass. both had an impact on the heavyweight landscape decades after each other. Tom McNeeley fought heavyweight world champion Floyd Patterson in 1961 and dropped the champion before eventually succumbing to a fourth round knockout. Over 30 years later, his son Peter was the first man to fight Mike Tyson after he was released from prison, with the fight ending in McNeeley being disqualified.

 

One of the more unique athletes to come out of Boston, Dr. Wilbert “Skeeter” McClure was an Olympic Gold medalist, a doctor of psychology and a Massachusetts boxing commissioner. While at the 1960 Olympics, McClure served as the co-captain for Team USA and was the roommate of fellow gold medalist Cassius Clay. While he never reached his potential as a professional, he received opportunities against world class opponents Luis Manuel Rodriguez twice andJose Torres, losing all three by decision. He also lost a decision and fought to a draw against  Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. After his professional boxing career, McClure served as a Massachusetts boxing commissioner before eventually retiring in the Boston area where he resides to this day.

 

Another greatly revered fighter to come out of the Boston-area is Lowell’s Micky Ward. Hugely popular for his exciting style, Ward compiled a 38-13 pro record with 27 knockouts. He was most known for the three epic fight of the year award-winning battles with the late Arturo Gatti. Ward’s life and career was portrayed in the award-winning film “The Fighter”, which starred Mark Wahlberg as Ward.

 

“It was great fighting in Boston.  The fans were very supportive and knowledgeable about the game,” said Ward. “It was like I was fighting at home…it was home for me as a fighter.  Fans traveled a lot to my fights, too.  They were a little crazy, drank lot of beer and were more vocal than most places I ever fought. I loved it.”

 

On Saturday, May 23 a new crop of young and hungry fighters will lay it all on the line, hoping to write the next exciting chapter of boxing history in the city of Boston. The action begins at 1:30 p.m. ET inside of Agganis Arena.

 

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Tickets for the return of big-time boxing to Boston, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Murphys Boxing, are priced at $250, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $35, not including applicable service charges and taxes, and are on sale now. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comwww.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.AgganisArena.com andwww.dbe1.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @AndreDirrell, @JamesDeGale1, @LouDiBella, @DropkickMurphys, @MurphysBoxing, @NBCSports and @AgganisArena and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/NBCSports, www.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment,www.Facebook.com/DropkickMurphys and www.facebook.com/MurphysBoxing. Follow the conversation using #PremierBoxingChampions and #PBConNBC