All posts by FNU47

Omar Douglas to take on Jose Angel Beranza this Saturday night at Harrahs Philadelphia 

Plus undefeated Kyrone Davis, Angel Ocasio, Christopher Brooker, Earl Newman, Stephan Shaw, Adam Kownacki, Stephen Fulton, Jovontae Starks and Raynell Williams
Chester, PA (April 22, 2015)–This  Saturday night, April 25, boxing returns to Harrahs Philadelphia with a terrific card promoted by King’s Promotions and XFE.

 

In the main event, undefeated lightweight Omar Douglas will see action in an six-round bout when he takes on 70-fight veteran Jose Angel Beranza (36-32-2, 28 KO’s) of Tepito, Mexico.

 

Douglas of Wilmington, Delaware has a record of 13-0 with ten knockouts.  He turned pro on May 27, 2011 with a 3rd round disqualification victory over Eric Hall.

 

Douglas won the NABA USA Super Featherweight title with a 2nd round stoppage over Jean Javier Soto.  Douglas also has a quality win with a 8-round unanimous decision over Jesse Carradine (8-2-2).  In his last bout, Douglas scored an explosive first round stoppage over Osnel Charles on December 5, 2014 at Harrahs Philadelphia.

 

“Training camp has been great.  I started preparing for this fight as soon as the last fight was over.  I have been sparring with the best fighters in the area.  When I started my camp, I was only seven pounds over the contract weight,”said Douglas.

 

Douglas knows very little about Ortiz.

 
“I really only know that he is from Mexico and he has a pretty decent record.”

 
This will be the first time that Douglas headlines in his home region and he not about to have any of the distractions to go with that.

 
“I take it in stride.  I consider it just another day at the office.  The only difference is that I am closing the show.”

 
This being his 14th pro fight, Douglas is now rounding into a situation where he knows what he has to do to continue to get better.

 
“I have been very responsible with my defense.  I always knew I had a pro style.  It was my late trainer Lewis Lum who told me I was better suited to become a professional world champion than an Olympic gold medal winner.”

 
Douglas sees himself continuing to grow and fighting on more high profile platforms as the year progresses.

 
“I see myself on bigger cards.  I am with Al Haymon so to fight on a PBC card is a goal for the year.  By the end of the year, I should be considered a hot prospect and I should get in three or four more fights that should put my name out more.”

 

Douglas finished by saying, “On April 25, expect a show.  I will be smart and put everything together.  I train for every opponent like they are the best.  Once it all comes together it will be lights out!!”

 

In a six-round co-feature, Kyrone Davis (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Wilmington, DE will fight Carlos Garcia (7-13-1, 7 KO’s) of Aguada, PR in a super middleweight bout.

 

In an eight-round bout, Javonte Starks (11-0, 7 KO’s) of Minneapolis, MN. will takeJeremiah Wiggins (10-3-1, 5 KO’s) of Newport News, VA in a welterweight bout..

 

Also in six-round bouts:

 

Angel Ocasio (7-0, 2 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Justin Johnson (6-7-4) of Pittsburgh, PA in a Jr. welterweight bout.

 

Adam Kownacki (8-0, 8 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will try to keep his perfect knockout streak going when he fights Randy Easton (3-6-1, 3 KO’s) of Sunbury, PA in a heavyweight bout.

 

Stephen Fulton (4-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will fight Jamal Parram (7-10-1, 5 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO in a featherweight bout.

 

Former U.S. Olympian, Raynell Williams (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Cleveland, OH will square off with Jose Del Valle (4-10-3) of Corozal, PR in a lightweight bout.

 

In four-round bouts:

 

Christpher Brooker (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA take on Maurice Amaro (2-8, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA in a super middleweight bout.

 

Stephan Shaw (3-0, 3 KO’s) of St. Louis, MO will battle Zachary Bunce  (2-1, 1 KO) of Las Vegas, NV in a heavyweight bout.

 

Earl Newman (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Julio Garcia  (6-8-3, 3 KO’s) of Rincon, PR in a light heavyweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing cost $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased by calling 610-587-5950 or www.hboxing.eventbrite.com

“MAYPAC” POP-UP SHOP COMING TO LAS VEGAS FOR FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. MANNY PACQUIAO SHOWDOWN STARTING FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Store To Feature Unique Interactive Fan Experience, Official Gear and Merchandise, Art Gallery From Official Fight Artists, Plus Celebrity Appearances

 

LAS VEGAS (April 22, 2015) – With the historic Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao match up just over a week away, fans will have a unique opportunity to engage in the pre-fight excitement at the official “MayPac” pop-up shop opening this Friday, April 24 at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Fremont St.

 

The 1,700 square foot space will offer a one-of-a-kind fan experience featuring an interactive game, official merchandise and VIP meet and greets. The pop-up shop will remain open to fans through fight night onSaturday, May 2.

 

The fight simulation experience will give fans the opportunity to step into the ring as either Mayweather or Pacquiao and take on the other as an opponent. Custom designed to resemble Mayweather and Pacquiao’s own training rings, each game is equipped with a high-impact punching sensor and a video screen over 10 feet tall, delivering an immersive experience like no other.

 

Onscreen elements direct the user through punch combinations that allow them to take down their opponent blow-by-bow, culminating in a final knockout punch – that is, if you don’t get knocked out first!

 

For each use that succeeds in delivering a knockout punch, the crowning moment will be captured with a 360-degree camera. All winners will go home with a looping image of their knockout punch.

 

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase official fight gear, merchandise and art commemorating the historic matchup in addition to attending celebrity meet and greets.

 

More information including shop hours and celebrity appearances is available at http://maypacstore.com/

 

 

*          *          *

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is a 12-round welterweight world championship unification bout promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank Inc., and is sponsored by Tecate. The pay-per-view telecast will be co-produced and co-distributed by SHOWTIME PPV® and HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT.

 

For more information visit www.mayweatherpromotions.comwww.toprank.comwww.SHO.com/Sports,www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mgmgrand.com and follow on Twitter at @floydmayweather, @MannyPacquiao @mayweatherpromo, @TRBoxing, @SHOSports, @HBOboxing and @Swanson_Comm, and become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/FloydMayweatherwww.facebook.com/TopRankMannyPacquiao www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionswww.facebook.com/TRBoxingwww.facebook.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/HBOBoxing.

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” gets another clash between welterweight standouts as Chris “The Cutt” Honeycutt meets Paul “The Gentleman” Bradley

 

Easy Tweet: .@ChrisTheCutt and @PaulBradley184 set for welterweight war at #Bellator140 live & free on @spike”

 

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 22, 2015) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Chris “The Cutt” Honeycutt (6-0) gets the toughest test of his career, as he meets fellow former All-American wrestler and nine-year MMA veteran Paul “The Gentleman” Bradley (22-6).

 

Featuring Bellator MMA World Champion Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (26-5) putting his title on the line against Russian knockout artist Andrey “Spartan” Koreshkov (17-1), “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” takes place Friday, July 17, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

 

The two decorated grapplers meet on the main card of “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov,” which airs live and free on Spike at 9 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CT.

 

Tickets for the event go on sale this Friday, April 24th at 10 a.m. ET, and are available at the Mohegan Sun Arena Box Office or Ticketmaster.com. Bellator Nation presale is currently taking place. Join the Bellator Newsletter list or follow us on social media (Twitter / Facebook) to gain access to the presale code and details.

 

The 26-year-old Honeycutt is a two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler out of Edinboro University. Following his collegiate wrestling career, which ended with a runner-up finish in the 2012 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship, Honeycutt enlisted the help of fellow Edinboro wrestler Josh Koscheck and now trains at the longtime MMA veteran’s Dethrone Base Camp in Fresno, Calif.

 

Honeycutt made his Bellator MMA debut in September 2014, scoring a TKO victory over Aaron Wilkinson. He picked up his second win for the promotion in February, scoring a TKO win over Clayton MacFarlane.

 

The 31-year-old Bradley is an Iowa native who also earned a pair of NCAA Division I All-American honors while competing at the famed University of Iowa. Bradley turned to MMA in 2006 and earned 11 consecutive victories to open his career, picking up the Ring of Combat middleweight title along the way.

 

Bradley made his way to the Bellator MMA cage in 2013, and in three appearances to date, he has picked up decision victories over Josh Neer and Karl Amoussou. While Bradley’s base is firmly entrenched in wrestling, he’s developed into a complete martial artist during his time in the sport and now owns seven of his career wins by knockout with another seven coming by way of submission.

 

Additional contests for “Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” will be announced shortly.

 

“Bellator MMA: Lima vs. Koreshkov” – Friday, July 17, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

 

Bellator Welterweight Title Fight: Champ Douglas Lima (26-5) vs. Andrey Koreshkov (17-1)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Chris Honeycutt (6-0) vs. Paul Bradley (22-6)

Raging Babe Soiree benefiting the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame on April 29 in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (April 22, 2015) – The Raging Babe Soiree: Reaching New Heights presented by RAGING BABE will take place on April 29, 2015, just three days before the fight of the century, Mayweather vs Pacquiao. Over 100 of boxing’s most prestigious and influential women have been invited to attend this exclusive event. The Raging Babe Soiree will be held at Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar, located in The Linq Promenade in Las Vegas. After dinner, the women of boxing will take in the best views of Las Vegas aboard the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller which features 28 spherical passenger cabins which can accommodate up to 40 passengers each, and is illuminated with dynamic multicolored LED lights nightly. Concluding the night with custom cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes.

“I’m amazed at how far this event has come,” said Michelle Rosado, CEO of Raging Babe. “There were only about 30 invitees at our first event in 2013 and now, two years later, we have over 100 invitees and this is our ‘night out’ to celebrate our accomplishments. Each event we strive to continue developing a strong network and camaraderie amongst these amazing women in professional boxing. It is something that cannot be duplicated.”

The event’s honoree is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, COO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and widow of champion boxer, Diego “Chico” Corrales.

Hosting will be Jackie Kallen, “The First Lady of Boxing” and Boxing Insider correspondent. “I am thrilled to once again be joining forces with Michelle Rosado to host the premier female boxing event of the fight weekend. It’s a pleasure to do something to benefit the NVBHOF and give the women in a boxing an event of their own,” stated Kallen.

In addition to honoring Michelle Corrales-Lewis, Raging Babe will donate a percentage of all financial contributions from event sponsors to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame organization. The NVBHOF is a nonprofit organization that prides itself in honoring the sport of boxing and celebrating to accomplishments of those within it. NVBHOF also supports several community programs, amateur boxing clubs, collegiate boxing programs and several boxing related causes. To learn more, please visit www.nvbhof.com.

Sponsoring this wonderful event is the World Boxing Council (www.wbcboxing.com), Champs Boxing & Fitness Club (www.champsboxingclub.org), 3-Point Tequila, DJ Nina9 (www.nina9.com), Sprinkles Cupcakes (www.sprinkles.com), Chayo Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Bar (www.chayolv.com), and Ramblin Ralph.

Aside from ring announcing, RAMBLIN RALPH’S main goal is to protect boxing superstars and prospects alike, along with their families, outside of the ring. RAMBLIN RALPH has aligned himself with sports biggest agencies to offer programs for boxers such as 401k, pension, and life insurance. He also brokers deals providing branding, licensing and promotional opportunities with the biggest companies in the world. The goal of RAMBLIN RALPH is to shorten the time of a boxer in the ring, and increase their portfolio outside the ring. You can contact RAMBLIN RALPH for more information at 602-695-5798 or by email at ralphvelezjr@gmail.com.

For more information and/or to become a sponsor of the Raging Babe Soiree – Reaching New Heights, contact Michelle Rosado at michelle@ragingbabe.com.

Fight Network Presents ONE Championship 26, Enfusion 28 & UFC 186 Coverage LIVE this Weekend

TORONTO | NEW YORK (April 22, 2015) — Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents a blockbuster card from ONE Championship live this Friday, April 24 at 7:30 a.m. ET, as  emanates from SM MOA Arena in Manila, Philippines, headlined by polarizing welterweight champion Ben Askren facing one of his toughest tests to date against 71-fight veteranLuis “Sapo” Santos.

 

Airing live exclusively in Canada, ONE Championship: Valor of Champions will also feature a co-main event bantamweight clash between Filipino standout Mark Striegl and undefeated American Casey Suire, plus Filipino flyweight prospect Eugene Toquero meets Indonesia’s Brianata Rosadhi. Rounding out the card, Canadian heavyweight powerhouse Paul Cheng battles Ukrainian Igor Subora, Thai flyweight Anatpong Bunrad throws down with Filipino sensation Geje Eustaquio, plus Jimmy Yabo tangles with Edward Kelly in a clash of Filipino featherweight contenders.

 

The full fight card for ONE Championship: Valor of Champions includes:

 

-Ben Askren (14-0) vs. Luis Santos (61-9-1) – ONE welterweight title
-Mark Striegl (13-1) vs. Casey Suire (5-0)
-Eugene Toquero (5-1) vs. Brianata Rosadhi (1-1)
-Paul Cheng (5-1) vs. Igor Subora (5-2)
-Anatpong Bunrad (4-1) vs. Geje Eustaquio (6-3)
-Jimmy Yabo (4-0) vs. Edward Kelly (5-2)
-Shannon Wiratchai (3-1) vs. Amir Khan (2-1)
-Tsu Notto (2-0) vs. Ya Wei Wang (1-1)

 

The live action continues on Saturday, April 25 at 3 p.m. ET, as Enfusion Live 28 invades the Ice Hockey Stadium in Zilina, Slovakia, featuring Slovakia’s Tomas Senkyr against Morocco’s Ibrahim El Boustati for the -85kg world title, plus Slovakia’s Vladimir Moravcik meets Frenchman Yohan Lidon in a five-round Muay Thai affair. The card also features a one-night, single-elimination -70kg tournament showcasing Milan Pales vs. Brahim Benameur and Tigran Movsisyan vs.Mohammed Jaraya in opening round matchups.

 

Fight Network’s live Enfusion broadcast at 3 p.m. ET 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 in Turkey on D-Smart.

 

On Saturday, April 25, Fight Network will present its UFC 186 Pre-Show Live at7 p.m. ET, featuring previews, predictions and analysis ahead of UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi on pay-per-view. Immediately following the main card, Fight Network presents the UFC 186 Post-Show Live, which will include the live post-fight press conference from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

 

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

 

Post-fight coverage continues on Monday’s edition of 5 Rounds on Fight Network, which debuts at 7 p.m. ET and features a comprehensive breakdown of Saturday’s event.

 

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.

Limited tickets still available for this Sunday’s 4th annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction dinner at Russo’s On The Bay, Howard Beach, NY

    

 

NEW YORK (Apr. 22, 2015) – Limited tickets are still available for this Sunday afternoon’s (April 26, 12:305:30 p.m. ET) fourth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

 

NYSBHOF Class of 2015

 

Boxers

 

WBC junior welterweight champion & Vietnam Veteran Saoul Mamby      Bronx/Brooklyn

WBA junior middleweight title challenger Joey Giambra                          Buffalo

1961 National Golden Gloves champion Johnny Persol                           Brooklyn

Two-time world welterweight title challenger Harold Weston                     New York City

WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley                                       Harlem

(Deceased)

World light heavyweight champion Paul Berlenbach                              Astoria

“Uncrowned” world welterweight champion Billy Graham                        Manhattan’s Eastside

2-Time World flyweight champion Frankie Genaro                                 New York City

World middleweight & welterweight champion Tommy Ryan                   Redwood/Syracuse

World light heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery                                Buffalo

 

Non-Participants

 

NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy                                         Manhattan/Massapequa Park

Journalist Mike Katz                                                                            Bronx

Trainer Tommy Gallagher                                                                   Howard Beach

Promoter/cutman Bob Miller                                                                Albany

Gleason’s Gym owner Bruce Silverglade                                             Brooklyn

(Deceased)

Trainer Charley Goldman                                                                    Brooklyn

MSG matchmaker Harry Markson                                                        Kingston

Promoter Cedric Kushner                                                                    Manhattan

MSG matchmaker Jimmy Johnson                                                      New York City

Journalist Damon Runyon                                                                   Manhattan

Manager/matchmaker Al Weill                                                             New York City

 

 

Renown ring announcer David Diamante will once again serve as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

 

The 2015 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair and Neil Terens.

 

Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. All NYSBHOF plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.

 

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

 

During the NYSBHOF ceremonies, the World Boxing Council (WBC) and Ring 8 will honor the late Joe Dwyer and Tony Mazzarella, both longtime Ring 8 members who passed away earlier this year. WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman will make a special presentation to Dwyer’s family. Ring 8 will make presentations to the Dwyer and Mazzarella families. Dwyer was president of the North American Boxing Federation (NABF). Mazzarella, who served many years as Ring 8’s treasurer, was a major influence in the founding of the NYSBHOF.

 

 

CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.

 

CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.

 

CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.

 

 

Limited tickets are still available and priced at $125.00 per adult and $50.00 for children (under 16), which includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 PM/ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304.

 

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

 

ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, 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, 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.

Once again, Provodnikov a hit with television viewers

Philadelphia, PA (April 22, 2015)–For his fourth consecutive fight on HBO, “The Siberian Rocky” Ruslan Provodnikov garnered over 1 million viewers. Ruslan’s fight with Lucas Matthysse averaged 1.243 million viewers and peaked at an outstanding 1.380 million viewers for the clash, which is now a leading candidate for 2015 Fight of the Year.

The bout comes on the heels of Provodnikov’s three previous appearances on the network, where he drew 1.2 million (peaked at 1.4 million) for his 2013 Fight of The Year with Timothy Bradley; his WBO title winning effort against Mike Alvarado that drew 1.232 Million viewers; and his controversial split decision loss to Chris Algieri which drew 1.046 million and peaked 1.1 million viewers.

“Ruslan again showed he is a huge attraction,” said Banner Promotions President Artie Pelullo. “He is without a doubt the most entertaining fighter in boxing today, and it is proven by the ratings for every one of his fights.”

Banner Promotions, Inc.
2501 Wharton Street, Suite L
Philadelphia, PA 19146

AMATEUR FEATHERWEIGHT MMA TITLE UP FOR GRABS ON JUNE 13 IN LEWISTON

Lewiston, Maine (April 22, 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 that the first-ever NEF MMA Amateur Featherweight Champion will be crowned that evening when Aaron “Relentless” Lacey (5-1) takes on Alex Johnson (2-1).  The fight will take place at the featherweight limit of 145-pounds.

 

A member of Young’s MMA in Bangor, Maine, Aaron Lacey had a phenomenal start to his amateur career, finishing his first three opponents before dropping a decision to Matt Tullos (7-0) on a card in New Hampshire.  Lacey fired back, winning his next two in a row over Dom Cofone (5-5) and Nick Spencer (5-4) respectively. Lacey is a perfect 4-0 in the NEF cage and he will look to continue that streak and take home the featherweight title on June 13.

 

“It’s an honor to be fighting for the first ever NEF amateur featherweight belt,” stated Lacey when reached for comment. “Alex is a game opponent who likes to be in your face. He presents a very interesting challenge he is aggressive and powerful. It just so happens I fight the same way. Be sure not to miss it this fight has fireworks written all over it.”

 

Alex Johnson will look to avenge his first, and only, loss to Lacey’s teammate Josh Harvey (3-1).  That fight was Johnson’s amateur debut back at “NEF XIV” last September.  Johnson has been on a tear since, winning his next two in a row including a memorable, hard-fought decision over Team Irish’s Rick Matthews (1-2). Johnson is a member of Josh Parker’s (4-8) Ruthless MMA & Boxing gym in Benton, Maine, one of the newest and most promising teams to appear on the New England scene in recent years.

 

“I’m grateful for this opportunity, but it’s just a small step on the path to my big goals,” said Johnson.  “It’s just another fight, and when they close the cage door in June it doesn’t matter who’s in front of me.  I’m ruthless in every aspect and that’s what I’ll be bringing in June.  I train with the best around and nothing will surprise me.  I’ll be ready for wherever the fight goes.  Ruthless all the way baby!”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVIII: Made in America” will originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee in Lewiston, Maine on June 13, 2015.  Tickets for “NEF XVIII” start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling the Colisee box office at207.783.2009 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.

Haywood Set For Pepper Showdown On May 2nd

Champions TKO’s Jerome Haywood is set to face Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper on the Mark Lyons and Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys Promotions LORDS OF THE RING event, which takes place at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 2nd May 2015.

 

Jerome will be making his return to York Hall, the scene of his successful professional debut in October last year, where he scored a well earned points victory over Rolandas Cesna.

 

Back in October, after a slightly hesitant start, Haywood soon settled down and took the fight to his more experienced opponent, pressuring the big Lithuanian with stiff jabs and heavy rights to the body.

 

Haywood’s work to the body began to take a toll on Cesna, so much so that by mid way through the third Cesna was clearly struggling to cope with the constant punishment to his ribs.

 

In the fourth Haywood stepped up the pressure even further, which in turn forced Cesna to cover up to protect his bruised and battered ribcage.

 

After four excellent rounds Referee Alf Sprung scored the bout 40-38 in favour of Haywood.

 

Haywood’s opponent on May 2nd is Scunthorpe’s Matthew Pepper, who will be making his first visit to the famous home of boxing in the Capital City.

 

Following a training session, under the watchful eyes of his coach Brian O’Shaughnessy at the Champions TKO gym in Hackney, Haywood spoke briefly about the upcoming showdown with Matthew Pepper.

 

“Glad to be fighting again, it’s been six months since my debut fight.

 

After my last fight, I was hoping to get out again as soon as possible and I should have, I was due to fight in March, but had to pull out of that one as I came down with a bug about a week or so before I was due to fight.

 

My first fight, yeah I enjoyed that, I was well prepared for it, he was tough but nothing I couldn’t handle.

 

I don’t know too much about Matthew (Pepper), but we’ve been working hard in the gym, so hopefully I’ll put a good performance in for my fans, who I can’t thank enough for their fantastic support.”

 

Jerome Haywood versus Matthew Pepper features on the Mark Lyons & Billy James-Elliott Wise Guys Promotions LORDS OF THE RING event, that takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 2nd May 2015.

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

Tickets priced £35 (Standard seating) and £65 (Ringside) are available direct from any of the boxers taking part, on-line atwww.tkoboxoffice.com or call the TKO ticket line on 07960 850645

 

Mayweather-Pacquiao Undercard Update: Sid El Harrak eagerly awaiting Pearson Showdown!

Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2015) – In less than two weeks, Sid El Harrak will have the chance to change his life and boxing career when he faces undefeated Chris Pearson as part of the historic Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

 

To prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, El Harrak’s dedicated all of his time to various aspects of training. From cardio to strength and conditioning, sharpening his skills in the gym and intense sparring sessions, the California based Londoner is covering everything imaginable. Most importantly, he believes the grueling training sessions he’s gone through at both Wild Card Boxing Gym locations is already paying off.

 

“It’s very important to have an ample amount of time to train for a fight and that’s not something I’ve had my whole career,” said El Harrak, who is 12-2-2 with 7 wins by knockout. “Mentally, I feel 100 percent ready to go out there and shine in the biggest fight of my life. I’m still working hard to balance everything out so the world sees the best Sid El Harrak next Saturday.”

 

He also loves being considered the underdog against the 11-0 and heavily hyped Pearson.

 

“I have a lot of pride and knowing that I’m coming into this fight as the B-side pushes me that much more. I love the fact that Pearson’s supposed to be “the guy” in this fight. If I fought who he did, I’d be undefeated. At the same time, had he faced the opponents I did under the same circumstances, he’d have a few losses. To be honest, I’m sick of thinking about him. This is the most eager I’ve been for a fight in my career and I can’t wait to show everybody what I can do on May 2nd!”

 

The El Harrak-Pearson ten round junior middleweight bout will be televised on various networks throughout the world.