All posts by FNU47

Dodson and Economides Head Up Vaughan’s Star Studded 23rd May Liverpool Event.

Renowned Liverpool based promoter Stephen Vaughan is clearly determined to raise the bar, for Small Hall Boxing events, to a whole new level, with his latest offering, dubbed ‘NEW ERA – An Evening Of Professional Boxing’, which takes place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, on Saturday 23rd May 2015.

 

For those that were at Vaughan’s previous event, at the Grand Central Hall back in March, there is no need to stress just how good the event was.

 

May 23rd promises much, much more, on paper NEW ERA looks set to not only be a true small hall classic, but also looks likely to set a new standard that very few small hall promotions could possibly match.

 

Heading up the twelve bout card is Liverpool’s very own Tony Dodson, who will be back in hometown action for the first time since beating Darren Stubbs to secure the IBO Light Heavyweight International title, back in October 2011.

 

On the 23rd May, Dodson, who in his previous fight secured a solid points victory over one of the toughest opponents around – the mischievous, yet highly durable, Jody Meikle, will be facing Latvia’s big punching Andrejs Pokumeiko.

 

In March last year, Pokumeiko secured a good solid points win over Ilford’s Kevin Greenwood at York Hall in London, which is the only points win on his record, every other win has come by way of stoppage victory.

 

The main support sees Chester’s WBF Intercontinental Champion Paul ‘Spartan’ Economides, in a non-championship contest against Estonia’s Sergey Tasimov.

 

Back on Vaughan’s previous event Economides put in another top class performance, against Ghana’s two time Commonwealth title challenger Isaac Quaye, on way to securing another sensational second round stoppage victory.

 

That particular win says a lot about Economides’ power as Quaye hadn’t been stopped on any of his previous thirty six fights, some feat considering Quaye has battled it out with the likes of Commonwealth champion Don Broadhurst, British, Commonwealth and European Champion Kevin Satchell and WBO European Champion Iain Butcher amongst other notable stars.

 

What’s more, on May 2nd Economides went one better, with a clinical first round stoppage of the Czech Republic’s Petr Gyna, at the York Hall in London.

 

Globe trotting Tasimov, has fought some of the UK’s top stars previously, including interim WBA World Champion Derry Mathews, British and European Champion and upcoming IBF World title challenger Lee Askins, as well as former British and Commonwealth Champion Nicky Booth.

 

Whilst most cards have a top-flight domestic bout or two heading up the show, the support card is usually made up of local ‘house’ fighters tentatively building their records. Not this card; only three of the undercard fights feature developing talent, the rest are already well and truly established prospects and stars.

 

One of the most interesting match ups on the card pits Liverpool’s Nick Quigley against … you’ve guessed it, the aforementioned Jody Meikle.

 

Quigley made short work of his last opponent, Ludvik Gina, sensationally stopping the Czech in just fifty five seconds of the first round.

 

Don’t think the same will happen against Meikle, but do expect six rounds of truly entertaining boxing, with some mischievousness sprinkled in for maximum effect, based on Meikle’s last outing against Onder Ozgul at York Hall on May 2nd.

 

Next up is the exciting prospect of watching one of the World’s most successful Kick Boxing stars ever, thirteen time World Champion Marlon Hunt, making his highly anticipated transition to the pro boxing ranks, against Latvia’s Uldis Pucens.

 

Hunt recently said “After winning 13 Professional World titles in Full Contact Kickboxing, K – 1Rules and Muay Thai and Unifying the Big 5 WBC, ISKA, WAKO PRO, IKF & WKA and winning other mid and low Tier World Titles and various Semi Pro Boxing Titles it’s time to take on the Professional Boxing world. “

 

Hunt has made clear that he isn’t taking up pro boxing to just make up the numbers, he’s a hundred percent determined to be the first ever four discipline World Champion.

 

Whilst on the subject of World Champions, Chester’s World Boxing Federation Welterweight World Champ Chris Goodwin is back in action once more, in a non-championship bout, against Finsbury Park, London’s Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander.

 

Goodwin, a two division World Champion, will be making his first appearance since beating Georgia’s Mikheil Avakyan to win the coveted WBF World crown back in August.

 

Alexander, who had been training and fighting in America until recently, scored a third round stoppage victory over Tadas Stulginskas on his return to UK action at York Hall in London last October.

 

Birmingham’s undefeated Lightweight sensation Antonio Counihan is back in the ‘Pool, this time to face Janis Puksins.

 

Counihan, the former England Amateur Captain, has been nothing but sensational in each of his six previous bouts, stopping five inside the distance, however it was his last performance that proved that the Brummie youngster is destined to rise to the very top.

 

Back in March, Counihan took on previously unbeaten Czech Lukas Radic, Counihan didn’t just beat Radic, he plain destroyed him in just two minutes and twenty eight seconds of the first round.

 

Puksins is another globe trotter that should be quite well known to British fans, having fought the likes of former Prizefighter winner Ricky Owen, former WBU, WBF, WBC and Prizefighter Champion Choi Tseveenpurev, British Champ James Dickens and upcoming Commonwealth title challenger Jason Cunningham amongst others.

 

Another youngster who is fast heading towards World stardom is Liverpool based, Russian Featherweight prospect David Agadzhanyan, who will face former Ghanaian Champion Isaac Osuwu on May 23rd.

 

Like Counihan, Agadzhanyan has stopped all but one of his previous opponents and coincidently the bout against the one that went the distance, another previously unbeaten prospect Daniel Bazo, featured on Vaughan’s last event.

 

What a fight, it was something truly special and a fight that many of those in attendance would love to see re-matched sometime in the near future, although have to say the result would probably be the same as Agadzhanyan is a tremendous talent, one that is likely to follow in the footsteps of Gennady Golovkin and Sergey Kovalev – yep, he’s that special.

 

Since that win, Agadzhanyan totally destroyed Czech Republic’s Josef Redlich, putting the Czech lad down three times before finally stopping him on the two minute and twenty five second mark of the first round, at the York Hall in London on May 2nd.

 

Liverpool’s former British, Commonwealth and WBF World title challenger Tony Moran is set for his first hometown fight since beating Czaba Andras at the Olympia back in 2005.

 

On May 23rd Moran will be facing Blackpool’s former WBC United States title challenger Mathew ‘The Rock’ Ellis.

 

Welsh Middleweight Champion Lee Churcher makes his first Liverpool appearance on May 23rd, against Latvian Zaurs Sadihovs.

 

Back in March Churcher took on Nottingham’s Matt Scriven, after both their original opponents failed to make their flights to the UK.

 

Have to say I doubt the original match-ups would have been anywhere near the Battle Royale these two fought out on that night. It was a sensational close fought bout, with both protagonists giving their all in front of a highly appreciative crowd.

 

Churcher won on points, but have to say the real winners were the fans in attendance on the night, as that was one seriously exciting, all action fight.

 

Sadihovs, who has a won four, lost two record, however each of the wins came way of first round stoppage victories, including a full blown KO of Olegs Asejevs in January.

 

Making his third pro outing on May 23rd will be big punching Liverpudlian Featherweight Jay Carney.

 

Young Carney is proving to be one of the finds of the year, two outings, two fantastic stoppage wins.

 

Back in December Carney utterly outclassed Patrik Gadzo before stopping him on the one minute and thirty two second mark of the first round.

 

Then in March followed that great win up with a third round stoppage victory over the highly experienced Petr Gyna. Have to say that was a great fight, young Carney was far more relaxed and just performed perfectly, dominating Gyna for virtually every second the bout lasted.

 

Carney’s opponent on May 23rd is Dmitrijs Gutsman, is another big puncher, whilst his record is two wins and four losses, it should be noted that the wins both came way of first round stoppage.

 

Also making his third pro outing on May 23rd is Liverpool’s Lee Boyce, who will be taking on Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper.

 

Back in March Boyce literally destroyed Matus Olah with the very first power shot he threw, a cracking bodyshot that sent Olah down and out after just twenty seconds of the first round.

 

It should be noted that the power shot from Boyce actually cracked Olah’s rib, so whilst we didn’t get to see much action we now know just how powerful Boyce’s punches are.

 

Finally making his professional debut on the 23rd May is Liverpool Welterweight Dayle Gallagher, who goes up against Nottingham’s experienced Matt Scriven.

 

Gallagher is a classy young boxer and Scriven is as tough as they come, so expect fireworks when they go toe to toe.

 

So there you have it, one seriously great card for what is clearly going to be one seriously great fight night, so now you know it’s time to go and get those tickets because if you miss it, you’ll regret it.

 

The Stephen Vaughan promoted NEW ERA event takes place at the Grand Central Hall, 35 Renshaw Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 2SF, on Saturday 23rd May 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £30 & £40 are available direct from any of the boxers taking part or call Stephen Vaughan on 07789 037802.

 

CUBAN SENSATION ERISLANDY LARA TO FACE DELVIN RODRIGUEZ AS PREMIER BOXING CHAMPIONS ON SPIKE RETURNS TO UIC PAVILION IN CHICAGO ON FRIDAY, JUNE 12

KNOCKOUT ARTIST ARTUR BETERBIEV TO FACE DOUDOU NGUMBU

 

CHICAGO (May 12, 2015) – Cuban boxing sensation Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (20-2-2, 12 KOs)returns to the ring on Friday, June 12 to face veteran Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-4, 16 KOs) as Premier Boxing Champions heads back to Spike.

 

Additionally, Russian knockout artist Artur Beterbiev (8-0, 8 KOs) is set to square off against the ring-savvy Doudou Ngumbu (34-6, 13 KOs) of Haute-Garonne, France.

 

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

 

“I’m very excited to be fighting on Spike TV on June 12th in Chicago.” said Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara. “Delvin Rodriguez is a tough veteran fighter who I respect.  He has a lot of heart and determination. But once the bell rings I’m looking for the knockout!”

 

“On June 12, I am going to change everyone’s mind about me and show that I can beat Lara,” said Rodriguez.

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing in association with Group Yvon Michel (GYM), are priced at $151, $101, $51, and $31, not including applicable service charges, and are on sale now. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or UIC Pavilion Box Office at (312) 413-5740. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the UIC Pavilion Box Office (Thursday or Friday 9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m.).

 

The 32-year-old Lara is a slick boxer with the ability to deliver punishment while taking very little of it in return.  Lara has notched victories over Alfredo Angulo, Austin Trout and Freddy Hernandez throughout his career. As an amateur, Lara won numerous titles including a national championship at welterweight and also participated in the 2007 Pan-Am games. The fighter originally from Guantanamo, Cuba but fighting out of Houston most recently defeated former world champion Ishe Smith on his way to his 20th professional victory.

 

Already deep into an accomplished career, the 35-year-old Rodriguez looks to give Lara a stiff test and entertain the crowd at UIC Pavilion on June 12. Having battled the likes of Miguel Cotto and Austin Trout, Rodriguez has also picked up victories over Mike Arnaoutis, Pawel Wolak and Shamone Alvarez throughout his accomplished career. Born in Santiago de le Caballeros, Dominican Republic but fighting out of Danbury, Connecticut, Rodriguez will look to improve on his last outing, a draw against Joachim Alcine in May 2014.

 

Having floored every opponent he’s faced professionally, the now 30-year-old former amateur standout Beterbiev will be seeking to keep his knockout streak alive in Chicago. Having notched impressive wins over Tavoris Cloud in 2014 and Gabriel Campillo earlier this year, the heavy-fisted Russian knows he’ll be tested with an experienced opponent on June 12.

 

Following a hard-fought loss to Andrzej Fonfara in November 2014, France’s Ngumburebounded nicely with a knockout win in January of this year. The battle-tested 33-year-old veteran will look to use his wealth of professional experience at UIC Pavilion in order to emerge victorious.

 

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 at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/WarriorsBoxingPromoand www.Facebook.com/Spike.

Amanda Serrano ‘Honored’ to Represent Women’s Boxing’s Return to Network Television

 Serrano to Face Jackie Trivilino, Live on CBS Sports Network on Friday, May 29, in Memphis, TN

Women’s multiple-time world champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano says she considers it a great honor to be part of the return of women’s boxing to network television.

Serrano (23-1-1, 18 KOs), of Brooklyn, will face Plattsburgh, New York’s two-time world title challenger Jackie “The Force” Trivilino in a six-round super bantamweight rematch on Friday, May 29, at the WC Handy Pavilion on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, and broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network (10:00 PM, ET).

Serrano vs. Trivilino will serve as one of the televised supporting bouts on a show, entitled “Championship Boxing on CBS Sports Network”, presented by Greg Cohen Promotions, in association with GH3 Promotions, Prize Fight Promotion and Adam Wilcock’s Fight Card Productions, produced by David Schuster’s Winner Take All Productions. Headlining the show will be a 10-round cruiserweight battle between Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) and “Slick” Nick Kisner (14-1-1, 5 KOs).

In the co-main event, promising WBO #10 lightweight Josh King of Australia will make his US television debut in a regional title fight against Batesville, Arkansas’ Rogelio Casarez (9-3, 4 KOs). Also featured in televised action will be super middleweight Derrick “Take It to The Bank” Webster (18-0, 9 KOs) putting his undefeated record on the line in a six-rounder.

Tickets for “Championship Boxing” are priced at $20 General Admission and $30 VIP and are available by calling 901.900.2236.

Serrano will be facing Trivilino for the second time. The pair met in both of their pro debuts in 2009, with Serrano winning a majority decision. “I’m excited and ready,” she said. “I’m honored to have a team in place that can put me on TV and showcase women’s boxing across the country. Girls can fight too! It’s a great honor. I’m super pumped and getting ready to show my talent.”

“She (Trivilino) is the one that got away,” said Serrano’s career-long trainer, Jordan Maldonado. “We only won a majority decision against her. Jackie has got skills and is very tough and durable, but Amanda has progressed a long way since then. We will be looking to make a statement against Jackie. It’s awesome to have a promoter behind us that believes in female boxing. We’re ready to put on a great performance.”

David Schuster of Winner Take All Productions, who will be producing the May 29 show, is a close associate of both Maldonado and promoter Greg Cohen. It was Schuster along with Sarah Fina who arranged the co-promotional deal with the Serrano sisters, Amanda and Cindy, who signed with Cohen not long ago.

“I applaud Greg Cohen for having the courage to put female fighters back on national TV,” said Schuster. “I’ve been working with Jordan Maldonado and the girls since 2012 and they are ready to dominate. The Serrano sisters have the talent to not only produce ratings, but generate respect from both male and female fans of the sport. Amanda is one of the most feared female fighters in the world and that pool of talent includes Rhonda Rousey.”

“Amanda is a force of nature in the ring, of course I want her on national television”said Greg Cohen. “Women’s MMA has shown there is a market for talented fighters, regardless of gender and Amanda and Cindy are two fighters ready to take it to the next level as female ambassadors of a suddenly rejuvenated and thriving sport. It is my honor and pleasure to be making this rematch happen on CBS Sports Network.”

Several local favorites will be showcased on the night’s undercard. On fight night, doors open @ 6:00 pm. The live television telecast will run from 10 pm to 12 am EST on CBS Sports Network. For more information, visitwww.gcpboxing.com.

MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV Continues Friday, May 15, at 10 p.m. ET

Card Highlighted by Title Bout Between Jose Benavidez Jr. & Jorge Paez, Jr.

 

truTV and Top Rank will exclusively present the MetroPCS Friday Night Knockout on truTV, a live primetime boxing series on Friday, May 15, at 10 p.m. ET from the US Airway Center in Phoenix.  The new boxing series, produced in association with Turner Sports and HBO Sports, will feature a 12-round bout for the WBA interim World Super Lightweight title between champion Jose Benavidez, Jr. (22-0-0, 15 KOs), fighting in his hometown against Jorge Paez, Jr. (38-5-2, 23 KOs) of Mexico.  Additionally, Antonio Orozco (21-0-0, 15 KOs) will meet Emmanuel Taylor (18-3-0, 12 KOs) in a 10-round super lightweight bout.

 

Commentators for the event will include Kevin Kugler providing play-by-play with analysts Timothy Bradley and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini and reporter Crystina Poncher.  Kugler is a veteran announcer who has called college basketball and NFL coverage for Westwood One and college football for the Big Ten Network.  Bradley is a former WBO welterweight champion and former WBO and two-time WBC junior welterweight champion.  Mancini is a 2015 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and former NABF and WBA lightweight champion.  Poncher is a commentator and reporter for Top Rank, as well as a host, reporter and correspondent for NFL Network and NFL.com. Closed captioning in Spanish will be available for the truTV telecast.

 

The network’s presentation will feature the continued use of “Spidercam” technology, the first of its kind for a live domestic boxing telecast, providing dynamic coverage during the series.  “Spidercam” operates on a four-point system of cables from designated points beyond the corners of the boxing ring. The suspended camera has the ability to provide compelling 360-degree angles of the action including the ability to move in three dimensions – left/right, forward/backward and up/down.

 

As part of its entitlement sponsorship of the boxing series on truTV, MetroPCS will receive camera-visible center ring and corner pad brand placement for each fight, as well as inclusion in all promotional messaging across truTV and other Turner Broadcasting networks.

 

Visit the Turner Sports online pressroom for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

 

MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO EVENT SHATTERS RECORDS FOR PPV BUYS, PPV REVENUE, LIVE GATE AND MORE

Generates Combined Total Revenues In Excess of $500 Million
 

NEW YORK (May 12, 2015) -The boxing blockbuster event, Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, shattered the previous record for total pay-per-view buys and now ranks as the highest-grossing pay-per-view of all time.  Initial reports from distributors indicate that the event generated more than 4.4 million U.S. buys and more than $400 million in domestic pay-per-view revenue alone.  With additional revenue from the live gate at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, international television distribution, sponsorships, closed circuit and merchandise sales, the event is expected to generate in excess of $500 million in gross worldwide receipts.  The news was announced jointly by Showtime Networks Inc., a subsidiary of CBS Corporation, and HBO in conjunction with event promoters Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank, Inc.

 

The welterweight world championship unification bout nearly doubled the previous record of 2.48 million buys generated by the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather boxing event in 2007 and nearly tripled the record $150 million in U.S. pay-per-view revenue generated by Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez in 2013.

 

Live gate receipts for the star-studded event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena produced more than $71 million in revenue, dramatically eclipsing the previous live gate record of $20 million (for Mayweather vs. Canelo) for both the sport of boxing and Las Vegas.

 

Additionally, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao set the record for closed circuit admissions and revenue both in Las Vegas and at establishments nationwide.  The event sold nearly 46,000 closed circuit admissions at MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas alone and was available at more than 5,000 bars, restaurants and commercial establishments throughout the U.S.

 

Distributed in 175 countries worldwide, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was available in essentially 75 percent of the world’s territories, setting the revenue record for international distribution.

 

As reported last week, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao drew enormous numbers on social media.  For example, Facebook reported that 37 million unique people contributed more than 115 million interactions from the start of the event to 30 minutes following its completion, a new record for a boxing event.

 

The May 2 promotion included unprecedented marketing and cross-promotional support from distributors as well as record revenue from the event’s major sponsors.

 

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and co-produced and co-distributed by HBO PPV® and SHOWTIME PPV®.

Featherweight Prospect Mario Barrios Remains Undefeated With 6th Round KO

 

Photos by Team Barrios

SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 12, 2015) – This past Saturday at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas, Super-Featherweight sensation, Mario Barrios (9-0, 5 KOs), remained undefeated with a spectacular 6th round knockout over Jose Del Valle (4-11-3) from Puerto Rico.

 

“Fighting Del Valle was a great experience for me because he was just as tall as me standing around 6’2,” said Mario Barrios. “I got a lot of rounds and got the knockout in round 6.  I’m ready to make a quick return to the ring and take my career to the next level with Al Haymon. I’m very happy with the way my career is going.  I’ll be looking to return sometime this summer.”

 

Standing 6’1, Barrios is on the fast track to super stardom.  Managed by Al Haymon, Barrios will most likely make his return to the ring next month.  Look for Barrios to move to 8-round bout in the very near future.

Beat The Streets New York Announces Partnership With FloSports To Live Stream All Matches From Times Square

‘Salsa in the Square’ event to feature Team USA and Cuban National Team wrestlers in annual fundraiser

NEW YORK (May 12, 2015)– Beat the Streets New York (BTSNY) Executive Director, Jim Fallis announced today that BTSNY and FloSports will partner to live stream all the matches on May 21, in Times Square, as part of the annual fundraising Gala. This year’s event, “Salsa in the Square,” will feature Olympic wrestlers from Team USA and the Cuban national team. Prior to the Olympic matches, BTS youth will compete in match ups in freestyle, women’s freestyle and Greco.

“This is an historic partnership in that it is the first time that we will have a media partner that will stream all the matches and work hand in hand in the marketing of our event,” said Fallis. “As we grow and continue to provide more kids in New York City with the opportunity to beat the streets through wrestling, bringing our message to a larger audience will be critical. This partnership is a huge step in doing that and taking our event to the next level. I want to thank FloSports and all the people that made this possible and we look forward to the thousands of fans that will be able to enjoy live streaming of over 30 matches during the day.”

“We’re really excited to work with Beat the Streets New York to live stream this high-profile wrestling event,” FloSports CEO Martin Floreani said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to highlight some really talented wrestlers and also to raise awareness for a non-profit that is doing excellent work with youth.”

Broadcasting will begin at 3:45 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 21 on FloWrestling.com, with matches that will highlight wrestlers from Beat the Streets New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. There will be five matches featuring girls and wrestlers from five different states.
During the Cuba vs USA match, BTSNY will present their annual outstanding awards to student athletes from the BTS program.

The lineup for the main event will be released shortly.

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ABOUT FLOSPORTS
FloSports, an innovative sports media and events company based in Austin, Texas, changes the way athletes and fans interact with their passion in sports. Focused on untapped sports markets historically neglected by traditional media, FloSports brings together fragmented communities and provides them the platform to connect with the sports they love through live streaming of premier events, original video programming, weekly studio shows, branded entertainment, and event creation and execution. FloSports is dedicated to growing and elevating these communities that share a deep commitment to the sports that matter to them at FloTrack.com, FloWrestling.com and Gymnastike.com

ABOUT BEAT THE STREETS
The mission of Beat the Streets is to develop the full human and athletic potential of the urban youth and to strengthen the culture of New York City wrestling. BTSW works directly with the New York City Department of Education in a public-private partnership to help New York City’s student-athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals. Through the operation of wrestling programs in middle and high schools in the five boroughs, BTSW and the DOE provide a safe, positive atmosphere in which disadvantaged and at-risk youth can learn the essential life skills of physical fitness, teamwork, and self-empowerment. The goal of fostering strong, dedicated, and optimistic kids is delivered through coaching, after-school programs, and mentoring. More information can be found at www.btsny.org.

13 Time KB World Champ Hunt Signs With Vaughan – Pro Boxing Debut, Liverpool 23rd May

Undisputed and unified WBC, ISKA, WAKO, IKF & WKA World Champion, Marlon Hunt, is set to begin his professional boxing career later this month, following his signing management papers with renowned Liverpool based promoter Stephen Vaughan.

 

Hunt, who has held World titles in three different disciplines – Kick Boxing, K-1 Rules and Muay Thai – and five different weight categories, will be making his professional boxing debut on Vaughan’s upcoming NEW ERA event, which takes place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on Saturday 23rd May.

 

With a record breaking thirteen World titles to his name already, Hunt has made it clear that he is not entering the world of professional boxing to just make up the numbers, as when he spoke earlier he made it crystal clear that the change of discipline is so that he can focus on becoming a record holding four discipline World Champion.

 

“I’ve obviously done Kick Boxing, K-I Rules and Muay Thai, went through all the ranks there, won literally all the World titles in those sports, all the major World titles as well, so now I think it’s time to give pro boxing a shot.

 

I only signed with Stephen Vaughan on the 2nd May and it looks like I’m going to be busy straight away, he has me boxing on May 23rdin Liverpool and again on the 25th July in Malta.

 

That was a shock, so let’s get it done, that’s the good thing about Steve, you know, it was literally I wanted to be managed by him as he sorts things out really quick.

 

This really suits me, I want to start challenging for titles as soon as possible, I’ve done everything that I’ve done in the other sports, I’ve been told for many years I should switch to pro boxing, but I didn’t think it was the right time, especially now with what I have won, again it will help me going up the rankings a little faster than I would have done otherwise, because of my experience, yeah I think it is the right time now.

 

I will still compete occasionally at Kick Boxing, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my pro boxing, I do want to do the mandatory defenses in my other sports, yeah I really want to defend my World titles still, apart from that I am concentrating fully on my pro boxing career.

 

There’s only a few people that have successfully transferred from one sport to the other, Chris Algieri, he was a kick boxer and has won a pro boxing World title, if Algieri can do it, I’m sure if I push the right way and I’m getting the right fights, I’m sure I can do the same thing.

 

I’m going to do the best that I can and become a four sport Champion, I don’t think to my knowledge that has actually done that yet, you know World Champion at Kick Boxing, K1, Muay Thai and Pro Boxing, so really would like to be the first to do that.

 

I’ve got some good loyal fans and they’ll be following me through the boxing as well and hopefully when I start pro boxing I’ll attract even more fans too, I feel that this is really good for the sport, not just by being able to attract new blood from the other sports, but also by doing that introduce new fans to both sports.

 

I’m really looking forward to the 23rd May and the beginning of a new pro boxing career for myself.”

 

On Saturday May 23rd, Hunt will be in first class company, as others boxing on the star studded bill include; reigning World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Welterweight Champion Chris Goodwin in action against London’s Mark ‘The Flash’ Alexander.

Reigning World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Super Bantamweight Champion, Paul Economides, former British Super Middleweight and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) International Light Heavyweight Champion Tony Dodson.

BBBofC Welsh Area Middleweight Champion Lee Churcher, British, Commonwealth and WBF World Title challenger Tony Moran in a local derby with Blackpool’s Mathew Ellis, and Prizefighter Light Middleweight finalist and English title challenger Nick Quigley, who is set to face Scunthorpe’s highly entertaining Jody Meikle.

 

In addition to the Championship experienced boxers, there are also a host of upcoming, unbeaten young prospects boxing on the bill, including; sensational former England amateur Captain Antonio Counihan, Liverpool based hot Russian prospect David Agadzhanyan, who faces former Ghanaian Champion Isaac Owusu, Featherweight prospect Jay Carney, Light Heavyweight prospect Lee Boyce, who takes on Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper.

 

Also making his debut on the 23rd May, alongside Hunt, is local lad Dayle Gallagher, whose first opponent as a pro is Nottingham’s Matt Scriven.

 

Marlon Hunt, against a yet to be named opponent, features on the Stephen Vaughan promoted NEW ERA event, which takes place at the Grand Central Hall in Liverpool on Saturday 23rdMay 2015.

Sanctioning for this event will be provided courtesy of the Malta Boxing Commission (MBC) –www.maltaboxingcommission.com

Tickets priced £30 & £40 are available direct from Marlon Hunt, from any of the boxers taking part or call Stephen Vaughan on 07789 037802.

The Mongoose Has Landed

Willie Monroe Jr. in Los Angeles for Saturday’s Middleweight title bout to be televised on HBO World Championship Boxing® at 10 PM ET/PT

 
WBA number-two ranked contender Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr. arrives at LAX with his team for Saturday’s  Middleweight title fight against Gennady Golovkin that will take place at the Forum in Inglewood, California and will be televised on HBO World Championship Boxing® beginning at 10 PM ET/PT
 
Photo Credit: Banner/Promotions

Undefeated New Haven boxer Luis “KO King” Rosa Ready to go from prospect to contender on ESPN Friday Night Fights, Friday, May 15, in Hartford

HARTFORD (May 11, 2015) – Rising junior featherweight star Luis “KO King” Rosa (19-0, 9 KOs) plans to graduate from top prospect to legitimate contender this Friday (May 15) on ESPN FridayNight Fights, presented by 50 Cent’s SMS Promotions and DiBella Entertainment, in association with Universal Promotions, close to his New Haven home at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

 

A native of Puerto Rico, the 24-year-old Rosa takes on Colombian veteran Jonathan “Popeye” Perez (33-10, 17 KOs) in the 8-round ESPN2 co-feature.

 

Headlining the card will be undefeated Puerto Rican lightweight Reynaldo Ojeda (16-0, 9 KOs) against longtime contender Monty Meza Clay (36-4, 22 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

 

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.

 

The popular Rosa, who is world rated at No. 15 by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and No. 16 by the World Boxing Council (WBC), has prepared for a breakout performance in front of a large ESPN Friday Night Fights viewing audience.

 

“This is a huge fight for me,” Rosa said. “It’s great fighting on ESPN and I’m going to show the nation what I’m all about. I’m prepared to put on an explosive show. I feel that I’m close to getting a title shot. I want to fight world-class opponents and I plan to prove I’m ready on Friday night.

 

“It’s always great fighting in my home state and I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fans there. At the end of the day, though, I’m going to get the job done and it doesn’t matter where the fight would be held.”

 

Perez, 28, a professional fighter since 2005, has won 14 of his last 15 bouts. The battle-tested Colombian has fought the likes of world champions Cristian Mijares, Abner Mares, Jose Lopez, Martin Castillo, Eric Ortiz and Raul Martinez, as well a world title challenger Jesus Jimenez.

 

“Perez is a veteran with 44 pro fights,” said Rosa about Perez. “He’s fought a lot of world-class guys and champions. I know he’s coming to fight. He’s going to come forward and he wants to bang. He’s strong, I’m stronger. I’m faster, too, and the better all-around fighter. I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”

Live coverage will begin at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and will also be available through WatchESPN on computers, smartphones, tablets, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox 360 and Xbox One via an affiliated video provider. In addition, ESPN Deportes’ Noche de Combates will carry the fights live on broadband Spanish-language ESPN Deportes+.

 

Fighting on the undercard are a pair of promising foreign boxers who are now living in the United States, as well as several New England and New York City favorites.

 

Undefeated Ukrainian middleweight Ivan Golub (7-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of Brooklyn, meets fellow Ukrainian Kostyantyn Rovenskyy (18-1-2, 5 KOs) in a six-round bout. Kazakh super middleweightDauren Yeleussinov (1-0), also living in Brooklyn, meets Jay “JD” Williams (3-6), of Louisiana, in a scheduled six-rounder.

 

Also slated to fight in six-round bouts on the undercard are unbeaten New Haven light heavyweightCharles Foster (7-0, 3 KOs) facing Woonsocket, RI, opponent Joe Gardner (11-7-1, 1 KO) and undefeated Bronx middleweight Chris Galeano (7-0) taking on Las Vegas’ upset-minded Yosmani Abreu (4-8-2).

 

Three four-round matches are also on tap with Waterbury, CT, junior welterweight Jair Ramos (3-2-1, 2 KOs) vs. Harlem’s Curtis Morton (3-4-2), Miami lightweight Alberto Candeleria (4-2-1, 3 KOs) vs. Brooklyn’s Ian James (3-11-1, 1 KO), and New Haven junior lightweight William Foster III (1-0) vs. TBA.

Tickets are currently on sale and are priced at $100, $65 and $35 (plus applicable taxes). Tickets can be purchased by calling 1 (860) 728-2624 or 1 (203) 627-7472. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.