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BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP BRINGS FIRST EVENT TO KANSAS ON SATURDAY, ITINER 14!
Meet the New York State Boxing HOF Class of 2020
Sunday, Aprilis 19, Mycobacterium tuberculosis Prandium
NEW EBORACUM (January 27, 2020) – The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) has officially announced its 28-member Class of 2019. The ninth annual NYSBHOF induction dinner will be heldSunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ATQUE), Aprilis 19, The Bay in Howard scriptor Russo ad Beach, New York,.
“I am proud that we are continuing to honor New York men and woman in boxing for their dedication to the sport that they’ve served,” NYSBHOF presidentBob Duffy said. “This is our way to thank them all and let each new inductee know that we do remember all that they did and continue to do. The Class of 2020 is strong across the board, boxers and non-participants, continuing the NYSBHOF tradition of honoring our own.”
Living boxers heading into the NYSBHOF include three-time World light heavyweight title challengerJorge Ahumada (42-8-2, 22 KOs), of Woodside, Queens by way of Argentina; (1975-78) WBC super featherweight World ChampionAlfredo “El Salsero” Escalera (53-14-3, 31 KOs), of New York City by way of Puerto Rico; WBC super featherweight World title challengerFreddie “The Pitbull” Liberatore (20-4-1, 11 KOs), of Bayside, Reginarum; WBC middleweight World Champion and four-time New York Golden Gloves winnerDennis “The Magician” Milton (16-5-1, 5 KOs), de Bronx; World heavyweight title challenger and two-time New York Golden Gloves winnerLou Savarese (46-7, 38 KOs), of Greenwood Lake; and WBA super middleweight title World title challengerMerqui “El Corombo” Sosa (34-9-2, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of the Dominican Republic.
Posthumous participants being inducted are Brooklyn welterweightSoldier Bartfield (51-29-8, 33 KOs), who fought a reported 55 pugiles mundi; Bronx middleweightSteve Belloise (95-13-3, 59 KOs); NYSAC and World lightweight champion (1925) Jimmy Goodrich (85-34-21 (12 KOs), of Buffalo; World heavyweight title challengerTami Mauriello (82-13-1, 60 KOs), de Bronx; WBA light middleweight World champion (1982-83) and four-consecutive New York Golden Gloves titlistDavey “Sensational” Moore (18-5, 14 KOs), de Bronx; and World lightweight championFreddie “The Welsh Wizard” Welch (74-5-7, 34 KOs), of New York City by way of Wales.
Living non-participants heading into the NYSBHOF are Oneida judgeDon Ackerman, Wantah, Long Island journalist/producerBobby Cassidy, Jr., Buffalo managerRick Glaser, Rockaway Beach journalistJack Hirsch, Bronx boxing broadcasterMax Kellerman, Ardsley ringside physician/NY Medical DirectorDr. William Lathan, Orangeburg judgeJulie Lederman, Hyde Park refereeRon Lipton, and Staten Island/Catskill trainerKevin Rooney.
Posthumous non-participant inductees are Brooklyn’s Ring Magazine editorLester Bromberg, New York City sportswriterDan Daniel, Brooklyn’s Gleason’s Gym founderBobby Gleason, Sunnyside, Queens boxing writerFlash Gordan, Manhattan journalistA.J. Liebling, Long Island City’s NYSBHOF co-founderTony Mazzarella and New York City managerDan Morgan.
There are a number of firsts regarding some Class of 2020 inductees: husband-wife – Dr. William andMelvina (ex genere 2018) Lathan; daughter-father – Julie andHarold (ex genere 2012) Lederman. Bobby Jr. atqueBobby Cassidy, Sr. (2013) are the fourth son and father inducted into the NYSBHOF, but the first boxer/journalist combination. The others are boxersFloyd atqueTracy Patterson, executive administratorsBobby atqueMurray Goodman, and refereesArthur, Sr. atqueArthur Mercante, Jr.
Welch is going into the NHSBHOF as a boxer, but he also managed fellow Class of 2020 inductee Goodrich.
Each attending inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.
The 2020 electi sunt a sodalibus inductionibus NYSBHOF Acacium: Randy Gordon, Henricus Hascup, Don Majeski,Vivamus McNair, Jim Monteverde atqueNeil Terens.
Omnes opus ad quieti stativis studiosissime pugiles certe tribus annis ad esse eligibile in inductione NYSBHOF, oportet inductionibus et habitaverunt in Novum Eboracum rei publicae gestis ad partem sui, vel in prima sui cuiusque curriculo pugilatu.
Nullam at sunt precii $150.00 et per adult $60.00 quia filii (under 16) cocktail hora et includit omnimodam brunch et super ingressum, starting at 12:30 p.m. ATQUE, as well as a full course dinner (et altilia occisa, piscis aut pultrearum) and open bar throughout the day. Tickets are available to purchase by contacting NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304 autdepcomish@aol.com. Ads es available pro NYSBHOF progressio: half-page $100.00, full page $200.00 front and back inside covers are $400.00 each, atque $500.00 for back cover. Mail checks and ads by the April 6 deadline to Bob Duffy, 1112 Whitewood Landing, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Checks should be payable to NY Stare Boxing Hall of Fame, call Duffy to charge on a credit card.
NEW YORK STATE BOXING HALL OF FAME
ORDO de 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake lamotta, Riddick: Inclinate, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Leonard Benny, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Thomas Cornelius, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo et Arthur mercante, Sr.
ORDO de 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy BEVERLACENSE, 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, Merchant Larry, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard et Don Dunphy.
CARDACES 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LAPORTE, Willie Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Atlas Teddy, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, D'Amato Cus, William Muldoon et Tom O'Rourke.
CARDACES 2015: Saul Mamby, Joey Giamba, John Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Artist Tullius Cicero, Frankie Genaro, Cornelius Tacitus, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Carolus Goldman, Anno Cicero, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon Weill, et al.
CARDACES 2016: Aaron Cicero, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Marcus Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Petrosa Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Albert howie, Sed vestibulum blandit Brown, Vivamus ligula, Et arcum ecliptice EN ruby Jimmy Jacobs.
CARDACES 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tigris, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Rapidshare, Carl Cornelius, Gaius Bartels, Hank Nabu, Al Gavin, Donovan Arthur, et Dan Parker.
CARDACES 2018: Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle, Timotheus Rodriguez, Terrence Alli, “Baby” Joe Mesi, Kid Chocolate, Jacobus J.. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett, Jack McAuliffe, Puer Sacris Solemnis, Melio Bettina Ralph “Tiger” Jones, Charley Norkus, Dave Anderson, Pete Brodsky, herba Goldman, Gaius Goodman, Melvina Lathan, Ron Tullius Cicero, Johnnie Addie, Homo johnny, Murray Goodman, Bert Randolph Sugar and Sam Taub.
CARDACES 2019: Wilfredo Benitez, Dick DiVeronica, Rogelio Tuur, Davey Vasquez, Michael Olajide, Monte Barrett, Jimmy Carter, Al “Bummy” Davis, Marty Servo, Roland LaStarza, Paddy DeMarco, Sid Terris, Leach “The Fighting Dentist” Cross, Don Rex, John McKaie, Steve Albert, Arthur Mercante, Jr., Bob Jackson, Dewey Fragetta, Johnny LoBianco, Wayne Kelly, Harry Hill, Jimmy Cannon, and Joe Dwyer.
25TH BOUT ADDED TO NEF 42 CARD PROELIUM; CATERINO STEPS IN TO FACE BOUCHER
PRIMUS DE LIBERO: Portland, Maine (January 27, 2020) – New England Pugnat (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Last Friday, NEF announced the full fight card for the event with 24 bouts scheduled to take place. Earlier today, the fight promotion confirmed a 25th fight for the card.Nate “Backpack” Boucher(0-0) OccurramChris Caterino (3-3) at a catchweight of 140 libras.
Boucher was originally scheduled to face Norman Fox (0-1) in his pro debut. Fox, after initially calling out Boucher on social media to accept a fight with him in the professional ranks, pulled out of the contest in the days leading up to the fight card announcement. Boucher, who most recently held the NEF Amateur Flyweight Championship with an amateur record of 6-3, was determined to make his pro debut at “NEF 42” despite the Fox pullout. NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson was able to quickly confirm a replacement opponent in the form of Caterino.
“I was incredibly disappointed when Norman pulled out against me—especially considering all the smack he talked to get the fight in the first place—but what a relief that I’ll still be able to be part of such a groundbreaking, historic NEF card,” said Boucher. “I’m so grateful that I get to make my pro debut in such a beautiful venue as the Merrill Auditorium. Respect to Chris for stepping up on short notice to take this bout. I will be doubling down in my preparation efforts during the next two weeks to make a statement on February 8th and leave no doubts that I belong in the pro ranks with the best in the region.”
Chris Caterino is a longtime veteran of the New England MMA scene, having made his amateur debut in 2010. Although he is taking the fight on short notice, Caterino has been very active of late and will, dubium, be prepared for Boucher. One week ago, Caterino submitted Joey Sanchez (0-4) in the first round of a bout in New Hampshire. It was his third fight in a nine-month stretch. Caterino represents Gate City MMA of Nashua, New Hampshire where he trains with New England MMA legend Nuri Shakir (18-21).
“I’m excited to make my NEF debut,” said Caterino. “I look forward to a great night and plan on getting the ‘W.’”
New England Pugnat’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tesseras sunt in sale iamwww.PortTix.com.
About New England Pugnat
New England Pugnat ("NEF") haec pugna est turba promotiones. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Team, exsecutiva NEF scriptor sports procuratio habet rotensus experientia certaminis, rerum productionem, necessitudinum, venalicium, vendo et legal.
BELLATOR DOUBLE CHAMP RYAN BADER DEFENDS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE AGAINST VADIM NEMKOV ON SATURDAY, MAIUS 9 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK
HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHTS AND HARDCORE MUSIC ALL IN A WEEKEND’S WORK FOR BRAD LEE
PRIMUS DE LIBERO: Portland, Maine (January 22, 2020)
Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8 promise to be a heavyweight weekend in Portland, Maine for Brad Lee.
On the opening night, Lee will put his lungs to the test as lead vocalist for a hardcore band known as Instigate, which will hold a CD release party in conjunction with its performance at Geno’s Rock Club.
Then he’ll exchange the microphone for a pair of gloves and attempt to play a two-fisted tune on Ras Hylton in the New England Fights mixed martial arts cage.
Lee will make his MMA debut against the veteran Ras “Rasquatch” “The Jamaican Shamrock” Hylton (4-3) in a professional bout at NEF 42: “Symphony of Destruction” inside another renowned concert venue, Merrill Auditorium.
“I absolutely want to make a living out of it,” Lee said of his immediate jump to the pro ranks after a diverse combat sports upbringing. “I feel that I’m fairly marketable. I think I can make a bit of a splash in this corner of the world. I would say I have humble confidence.”
He’s more understated about the musical exploits. Lee characterizes that side of his performance artistry as the typical garage band with small dreams.
“It’s been a huge part of my life. If you’re a big kid with a skateboard, it’s probably going to lead to music and fighting eventually,"Lee dixit.
“But it’s definitely not about the money,” he added. “It’s literally a band of friends doing it to hang out with our other friends on the weekend. We couldn’t (care less) about stadiums. We’re not Metallica. It’s just a hobby. It’s an outlet for me to get out the (stuff) that’s in my head. It’s just a hobby.”
In the same way that new fighters are required to earn their way upward on fight posters, Lee, who said he “dabbles” with guitar, sounds most excited about the New England-based bands with whom Instigate gets to share the stage.
“Death Before Dishonor and Cruel Hand, if you know anything about that scene, those are big names,"Lee dixit. “It would have been a great show regardless of whether we were there or not.”
Turning pro in the NEF hexagon without any amateur background isn’t the typical journey, but Lee saw it as the wisest path after a frustrating year of trying to locate willing opponents.
Most potential foes, dixit, were intimidated by his 6-foot-4 frame and what was then a walking-around weight of more than 300 libras. The heavyweight limit is 265.
“I had five different opponents with three different promotions, including NEF, cancel on me. I had fights where the opponent took the fight with me, backed out, and then took a heavyweight fight on the same card,"Lee dixit. “I don’t want to mention names, but one guy in Ras’ circle (did that). I just got fed up and annoyed with guys holding back my career.”
Lee said he eventually contacted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson to inquire about the pro landscape within his promotion.
Hylton, who casts a similarly imposing shadow at 6-6, is coming off a sequence of two losses in his past three appearances, including a knockout loss to Chris Sarro – another fighter making his pro debut – last September.
“Matt put Ras out there. I watched the videos and talked to my coaches and went ahead with it,"Lee dixit. “He’s coming off two hard fights. He seems like a respectful guy. I’m sure some people in his camp think I’m a (jerk). The thing about me in the social media world is I only release what I want people to see. People can talk (crap) all they want.”
In one of his videos, which Lee entitled, “What Makes a Pro a Pro?,” he breaks down what he considers the misconception that an amateur career is a necessity for MMA success.
“Look at Jon Jones. Autem, I’m not saying I’m Jon Jones, but he became a world champion without any (bellicis artibus) belts at all,"Lee dixit. “So what is it? Is it that he can knock guys out? I’ve knocked out a bunch of guys in my life. Is it his cardio? My cardio is pretty good.
“You know, I just got tired of waiting around for other people. When I was getting ready to fight about a year ago, I realize I was right at the top of the weight class, but it’s like people were scared. Inquam, if you don’t want to be a heavyweight then get down to 205 or whatever. I’m a lot lighter and in better shape now. People probably would have been better off fighting me last year.”
Boxing and judo are the primary skills in Lee’s tool kit, although he describes himself as a voracious cross-trainer.
“I think the MMA world sleeps on boxing quite a bit,"Lee dixit. “Muay Thai seems to be the thing, but the Muay Thai guys get their faces hit a lot. But I train anything and everything. I’ll do Tai chi in a park with somebody if it helps me get better, I don’t care.”
Lee, 29, is based out of Paladin Combat Sports in Clinton, Massachusetts, where he said he will stack up his schedule and intensity level against almost anyone his size in the combat sports game.
“Win or lose, I’ll be back in the gym on Monday. Compared to what I’ve seen from most UFC and Bellator heavyweights, I work out harder than most of them,"Lee dixit. “I was 316 pounds less than a year ago. If anyone wants to check me on my motivation or dedication, tell them to check the scale (at weigh-ins) on February 7.”
Postquam, fans are invited to follow Lee down the street to Geno’s and listen to him pursue his other passion the night before he makes his debut in the NEF cage.
New England Pugnat’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tesseras sunt in sale iamwww.PortTix.com.
About New England Pugnat
New England Pugnat ("NEF") haec pugna est turba promotiones. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Team, exsecutiva NEF scriptor sports procuratio habet rotensus experientia certaminis, rerum productionem, necessitudinum, venalicium, vendo et legal.
RISING LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT THOMAS MATTICE TO FACE ISAAC CRUZ GONZALEZ IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, FEBRUARIUS 14 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR FIRST EVER BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT IN FORT LAUDERDALE!
HOWARD AND KANGAS SCHEDULED FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TUSSLE AT NEF 42
PRIMUS DE LIBERO: Portland, Maine (January 20, 2020) - Pugnat New England (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur lightweight bout to the fight card.Joe Howard(2-3) OccurramJustin Kangas(0-2) at a fight weight of 155 libras.
Joe Howard is coming off a win over Jesse Fitzsimmons (0-2) at “NEF 41” last November. The fight was stopped by the referee on advice from the ringside physician between the first and second rounds when a cut on Fitzsimmons’ forehead could not be closed. It marked the end of a three-fight losing streak for Howard. Howard currently represents Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based in Lewiston, Maine, and has recently moved back to his home state of Georgia.
“I’m not in this for fortune and fame—this is business and I want that gold and I’ll keep mining the NEF until I get it,” exclaimed Howard. “Thank you to Justin for taking this fight. I applaud Justin—I’ve been on a two-fight losing streak and I know what that feels like, so I know that he’s going to be a real challenge. But I’m the principal of this cage, and I’m about to school his ass with Southern class. Pack your lunch pail—New England is about to learn who the peach is.”
As Howard alluded to, Justin Kangas is by day the principal of Warren Community School in Warren, Maine. Kangas has competed twice previously in the NEF cage, losing to Nate White (4-0) and Nathaniel Grimard (1-0) respectively. He seeks his first win as an amateur at “NEF 42.” Kangas represents First Class MMA of Brunswick, Maine.
“I am excited to have another opportunity to fight for NEF and am grateful to Joe for taking the fight,” said Kangas. “Joe is a warrior and it will undoubtedly be a tough bout for sure. I look forward to the challenge and opportunity in front of me.”
New England Pugnat’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tesseras sunt in sale iamwww.PortTix.com.
About New England Pugnat
New England Pugnat ("NEF") haec pugna est turba promotiones. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Team, exsecutiva NEF scriptor sports procuratio habet rotensus experientia certaminis, rerum productionem, necessitudinum, venalicium, vendo et legal.
GRISPI OUT, BERMUDEZ IN TO FACE BOYINGTON FOR LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE AT NEF 42
PRIMUS DE LIBERO: Portland, Maine (January 19, 2020) - Pugnat New England (NEF) will hold its next mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland. Earlier today, NEF announced a change to one-half of the card’s main event.Manny “The Bermudez Triangle” Bermudez(14-2) erit iam nuncBruce "Pulchra Boy" Boyington(17-11) for the vacant NEF Professional Lightweight Championship in the night’s headline fight.
Bermudez stepped in to replace his teammate and training partner Josh Grispi (14-5) who was originally scheduled to meet Boyington. Grispi was forced to bow out of the main event due to legal complications unforeseen at the time of the bout’s signing. Mere hours after losing Grispi, NEF executives were notified that Bermudez would accept the fight with Boyington.
Like Grispi, Bermudez is a veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – the pinnacle of the sport. He put together a record of 3-2 while competing in the promotion before being released this past October. All three of Bermudez’s wins in the UFC came by way of submission. The fight with Boyington will be Bermudez’s first since his release.
“I’m looking forward to coming up to Bruce’s home turf and showing where it is I belong on the regional circuit,” stated Bermudez. “I have experience at various levels in the sport and Bruce does too, so it’ll be interesting to see how the matchup unfolds on fight night.”
Bruce Boyington has never been one to back down from a challenge. The Taekwondo black belt and US Marine Corp veteran has made a career of fighting the “best of the best” whether it be in the NEF cage, at Madison Square Garden fighting for the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) on national television, or halfway across the world competing on a global event in Russia. Boyington, a member of Titan Athletics based in Brewer, Maine, looks to capture the lightweight strap for the second time on February 8.
“There is no easy fight and this makes for the same scenario – a main event worthy of any card,” said Boyington. “Two high caliber fighters – that’s the kind of fight I like to be in.”
Adding to the high-caliber aspect of the fight, two streaks held by Boyington and Bermudez respectively make the fight even that much more intriguing. Boyington has never lost a title fight. He is a perfect 7-0 when a championship strap is on the line. In the same breadth, Bermudez has never lost a regional fight as a professional. He was a perfect 11-0 on the regional scene prior to signing with the UFC. On February 8, someone’s “0” will have to go.
“I first met Manny Bermudez 11-years ago one random weekend while visiting his home gym, South Short Sportfighting,” noted NEF co-owner and matchmaker Matt Peterson. “He was a young, gangling teenager at the time that was giving fits on the floor to men two and three times his age. Manny made the gym his second home and the rest, ut aiunt,, is history—Manny went on to have a great run in the UFC. When Josh Grispi was forced to pull out of his fight with Bruce, Bruce gave me one directive for a replacement opponent—‘make sure they are good,’ he said. Bruce always wants to face the best and that’s what we were able to bring him in Bermudez. This is a main event fit for a symphony.”
New England Pugnat’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tesseras sunt in sale iamwww.PortTix.com.
About New England Pugnat
New England Pugnat ("NEF") haec pugna est turba promotiones. NEF’s mission is to create the highest quality events for fighters and fans alike. Team, exsecutiva NEF scriptor sports procuratio habet rotensus experientia certaminis, rerum productionem, necessitudinum, venalicium, vendo et legal.