All posts by FNU47

Marvelous Training Camp Begins!  Sonsona Arrives in Vegas

Former WBO Super Flyweight Champion “Marvelous” Marvin Sonsona (19-1-1, 15 KOs) arrived yesterday in Las Vegas to continue working with trainer Jun Agrabio, Sampson Boxing stablemate and fellow former world champion John Riel Casimero, as well as strength and conditioning coach Angel Heredia, for his upcoming fight against Puerto Rico’s Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez (22-0-1, 16 KOs).

 

Team Sonsona will be training at Roy Jones Jr.’s Gym.

 

Ranked #2 WBC, #5 WBA, #4 IBF and #12 WBO, Sonsona, will face Velez (ranked #3 WBC) in a final elimination bout to face champion Jhonny Gonzalez and in defense of his NABF Featherweight Championship.

 

While working with Agrabio, the 24-year-old Sonsona, of General Santos City, Philippines, has rededicated himself to his boxing career and the results have shown. He knocked out former world champion Akifumi Shimoda in three brutal rounds last February and then avenged his only loss, to Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by way of a split decision victory in June. 

“I’m very happy that Sonsona and Casimero are working together in Las Vegas, my hometown,” said the pair’s co-promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing (along with Sammy Gello-ani), and I’m looking forward to having two more champions for my promotional company in the very near future.”

 

Casimero, from Cebu City, Philippines, is currently waiting to face the winner of the upcoming IBF flyweight title fight between current champion Amnat Ruenroeng and China’s Zou Shiming in March.

 

ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING

After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008.

Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world’s best fighters and most promising young contenders.

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Championship Title Boxing from Resorts World Casino to air Live on CBS Sports Network on Saturday, February 14

Derric Rossy to battle Akhror Muralimov for IBF North American Heavyweight title & undefeated Mike Lee takes on Gary Tapusoa for the UBF All America’s title; Plus Mike Lee to pull double duty as guest commentator
For Immediate Release

Queens, NY (February 6, 2015)–On Saturday Night, February 14 Sal Musumeci’s Final Forum Boxing will promote a very special night of Boxing, Championship Title Boxing from the Resorts World Casino New York City, which  will air LIVE on CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET.
In one main event, Perennial Heavyweight contender Derric Rossy (29-9, 14 KO’s) will take on undefeated Akhror Muralimov (16-0, 13 KO’s) in a 10-round bout for the IBF North American Heavyweight title.  In a co-main event, the popular & undefeated Mike Lee (13-0, 7 KO’s) will fight Gary Tapusoa (6-3-1, 5 KO’s) in a 6-round bout for the UBF All America’s title.
After Lee gets done with his bout, he will join ringside commentators Bob Sheridan and Benny Ricardo as a special guest announcer for the Rossy – Muralimov bout.

 

“I am excited about this bout & excited about joining the commentators for the main event,” said the undefeated Lee.

 

“I look forward to commentating on such a prestigious network.”

 

Rossy of Medford, NY has faced and beaten some of the top Heavyweights in the world such as Gary Bell (22-3-1), Shannon Miller (14-2), Edward Gutierrez (15-3-1), Former Heavyweight champion Ray Mercer (35-6-1), William Shahan (7-0), Carl Davis Drummond (26-1), Alexis Mejias (10-2), Ian Lewison (6-1-1), Travis Walker (39-8-1), and Joe Hanks (21-1).
Rossy, 34 years-old is coming off a highly disputed majority decision defeat to current IBF number-two ranked Heavyweight Vyacheslav Glazkov on August 9 in Bethlehem, PA.
Muralimov of Houston, Texas by way of Toytepa, Uzbekistan is looking for a signature win as he already has wins over previously undefeated Olanrewaju Duradola (9-0) and Nate James (9-2).
In his last bout, Muralimov scored a 2nd round stoppage over Jason Bergman on July 26 in Washington, PA.
Lee of Chicago is popular throughout the country particularly with fans from his alma mater Notre Dame and is also known as a star of several Subway commercials.
The 27 year-old turned pro in 2010 and has wins over undefeated Peter Lewison (6-0), as well as a 6-round majority decision over Paul Gonsalves on July 25 in his hometown of Chicago.
To find out more on Mike Lee, click www.mikeleeboxing.com
Tapusoa of Independence, MO has faced 4 undefeated fighters and has a win over Nick Guivas (4-0-1).
An additional television bout will be announced at a later date.
Also slated to appear on the off-tv portion card are Super Middleweight Devaun Lee (3-1, 1 KO) of Jamaica, Queens, NY; Cruiserweight Armin Mrkanovic (6-2, 3 KO’s) of Queens, NY; Cruiserweight Dave Valykeo (4-3) of Neptune, NJ; Middleweight Henry Beckford (0-1) of New York and pro debuting Phillip LeGrand.
Tickets for this great evening of boxing can be purchased at www.rwnewyork.com or www.etix.com.
1st Bout is at 8 PM with the doors opening at 7 PM
Resorts World Casino New York City is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY

Rising Jr. Lightweight Frank De Alba headlines on Saturday, February 21 at the Econo Lodge in Allentown, PA

Plus undefeated Juan Dominguez, Christian Molina, Robert Irizarry, John Magda and Ivan Golub
Allentown, PA (February 6, 2015)–On Saturday night, February 21, rising Jr. Lightweight Frank De Alba will headline a special night of boxing at the Econo Lodge in Allentown and is promoted by Kings Promotions.
De Alba of Reading, PA has a record of 14-1-2 with 5 knockouts and has won 12 in a row and is undefeated his last 16 outings.
The 27 year-old turned professional in 2011 and has wins over Andrew Bentley (1-0) & Benjamin Burgos (1-0).  He won the UBF All Americas Super Featherweight title with a 5th round stoppage over Pablo Batres and defended it in his last bout with an 8-round unanimous decision over Jess Carridine in October 4 in Valley Forge, PA.

De Alba’s opponent in the scheduled 8 round main event will be announced shortly.
In the 8-round co-feature, undefeated Super Bantamweight Juan Dominguez will take on an opponent to be named.
Dominguez of Brooklyn, NY has a record of 17-0 with 11 knockouts.
The 28 year-old has wins over Gabriel Gomez, Arturo Santiago for the New York State Bantamweight title, Geyci Lorenzo for the WBA Fedecaribe Super Bantamweight title & Camilo Perez (9-1).  In his last bout Dominguez scored an 8-round unanimous decision over German Meraz on December 12 in Chicago.

In 8-round bouts:
Super Middleweight John Magda (8-0, 6 KO’s) of Rutherford, NJ will take on an opponent to be named.

Ivan Golub (5-0, 4 KO’s) of Brooklyn, NY will take on an opponent to be named in a Jr. Middleweight bout.
In 6-round Bouts:

Israel Suarez (4-4-2, 1 KO) of Luquillo, PR will fight an opponent to be named in a Featherweight bout

Danny Kelly (6-1-1, 5 KO’s) of Washington, DC will  take on an opponent to be named in a Heavyweight bout.
In 4-round bouts:

Christian Molina (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Allentown, PA will fight Gerald Smith (3-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA in a Jr. Welterweight bout.

Robert Irizarry (2-0-1) of Cherry Hill, NJ will battle Benjamin Burgos (2-10-1) of Mount Pocono, PA in a Featherweight bout.
Christopher Booker of Philadelphia will make his pro debut against an opponent to be named in a Middleweight bout.
Jonathan Williams (0-3) of Allentown, PA will square off with Shawn Sutton (0-3) of Norristown, PA in a Welterweight bout.

Tickets for this great night of boxing are $45 for General Admission and $60 for Ringside and can be purchased by clicking: www.kingsboxing.eventbrite.com or by calling 610 587 5950

The Econo Lodge is located at 1151 Building Drive in Allentown, PA

ANTONIO OROZCO WITHDRAWS FROM SCHEDULED BOUT AGAINST EMANUEL TAYLOR

FRANKIE GOMEZ ANNOUNCED AS CO-MAIN EVENT ON THURSDAY, MARCH 12 FROM THE FREEMAN COLISEUM IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS TELEVISED LIVE ON 

HBO LATINO® BOXING

 

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 5) – Undefeated Mexican brawler Antonio “Relentless” Orozco (21-0, 15 KOs) will have to wait to make his 2015 debut. Orozco was injured on Monday, Feb 2. when he suffered a deep cut near the right eye while sparring during training camp.  His personal doctor determined the cut was too deep in dimension and would not heal fast enough for his scheduled bout on March 12.  Orozco withdrew from participation as the co-main event for Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (21-0-1, 15 KOs) versus “Wild” Will Tomlinson (23-1-1, 13 KOs) from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, March 12th, airing live on HBO Latino beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.

 

Orozco was scheduled to face the well-known, tough punching Emanuel “Tranzformer” Taylor (18-3, 12 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight co-main bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association withStar Boxing.

 

“I was prepared and excited to go up against Emanuel Taylor on March 12.  I know that facing him and beating him would have been a grand debut in 2015,” said Orozco. “I am very disappointed in the outcome and now need to heal and be ready for a fight as soon as possible.”

 

The Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions event will go on with the announcement ofFrankie “Pit Bull” Gomez (18-0, 13 KOs) of Los Angeles, Calif. as the co-main event in a 10-round welterweight bout against an opponent yet to be announced.

 

Frankie “Pit Bull” Gomez, is a tough fighter from East Los Angeles. Fighting in his first bout in almost a year, Gomez is ready to take on any fighter that will face him and take him to the next level in his career.  Undefeated, the super lightweight prospect most recently fought Orlando Vazquez at the Stub Hub Center, in Carson, Calif. in April and won by knockout in the second round of their scheduled 10-round bout.  Later in July, Gomez went the distance against Vernon Paris at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino winning by unanimous decision.

 

Vargas vs. Tomlinson, is a 10-round WBO International and NABF Junior Lightweight bout is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Lejia*Battah Promotions. The HBO Latino Boxing two-fight telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT is sponsored by Corona Extra and Mexico – Live It To Believe It!. The Freeman Coliseum doors will open at 4:30 p.m. CT and first bout begins at 4:45 p.m. CT.

 

Tickets priced at $150, $100, $50, and $25 plus applicable taxes and service charges and are available for purchase at www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-745-3000, or in person at the Freeman Coliseum/AT&T Center SE Box Office, Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., or through Leija*Battah Promotions by calling (210) 979-3302 or emailing m@leijabattahpromo.com.

Next Club Show at Gleason’s is Saturday, February 14th 2015

 


We are looking for boxers to compete. We will put on juniors and seniors that are not involved with the Golden Gloves

 

 

If you wish to compete, please contact our matchmaker Jieun Lee at matchmaker@gleasonsgym.net or text her at 917 858 3955.

All matchmaking is done by email or text.

 

All our bouts are sanctioned by USABoxingMetro. All boxers must have their boxing book with them in order to participate.

 

The weigh-in for this show will begin at 4:00PM and the first bout will begin at 6:00PM.

 

 

The ticket price is $20 per person. Children 6 and under are not charged. All gym members and registered amateurs with their books in hand pay $15 per person.

 

 

P.S. If you can’t make it but still want to see the fights, they’ll be streaming at

Gleason’s Gym website: www.gleasonsgym.net 

“Bellator MMA: British Invasion” adds seven preliminary contests, including Butler vs. Diekmann, Juarez vs. Ward, Butcher vs. McCrory

 

Follow us on Twitter Easy Tweet: “BellatorMMA: #TheBritishInvasion prelim card is set w/ East Coast scrappers @ragingcannoli@SwaggleBerryFin & #TamdanMcCory: bit.ly/1KjDoAM

 

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 4, 2015) – Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Emanuel   “The Hardcore Kid”  Newton (25-7) puts his title on the line against undefeated Englishman Liam McGeary (9-0) in the main event of “Bellator MMA: British Invasion” on Feb. 27, and with a five-fight Spike TV-televised main card already in place, the night’s six-fight Spike.com-streamed preliminary card is now set, as well.

 

The official additions to the preliminary card include heavyweights Raphael “The Silencer” Butler(8-1-1) vs. Josh “The Freight Train” Diekmann (15-5), welterweights Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Brennan “The Irish Bad Boy” Ward (9-3) and middleweights Jason Butcher (8-1) vs. Tamdan “The Barn Cat” McCrory (12-3), welterweights Bobby Flynn (4-2) vs. Neiman Gracie (2-0), bantamweights Marvin “The Bulldog” Maldonado (2-3) vs. Blair Tugman (6-5) and bantamweights Randy Costa (0-0) vs. Carlos Hernandez (1-1).

A seventh preliminary bout, featuring six-time Bellator MMA veteran Matt “The Mangler” Bessette (13-6) against fellow featherweight Josh LaBerge (9-4) – who enters the bout on a seven-fight winning streak – takes place after the night’s Spike TV-broadcast main card and is being held exclusively for the evening’s live audience.

Tickets for “Bellator: British Invasion,” which start at just $25, are already on sale at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com. The night’s finalized lineup will be announced shortly.

The three new matchups all stream live on Spike.com beginning at 6:45 p.m. ET (3:45 p.m. PT local time) and precede the evening’s five-fight Spike TV-televised main card (9 p.m. ET).

Butler, of Rochester, Minn., has been fighting professionally since 2010 and opened his career with nine consecutive victories, including three-straight knockout wins under the Bellator MMA banner. The 31-year-old slugger has fought to a decision just once in his professional career and owns six career knockout wins and two victories by submission. Meanwhile, Diekmann, of Groton, Conn., is also a heavy-handed slugger who boasts 11 career victories by knockout and another four by submission. The 38-year-old heavyweight owns a pair of Bellator MMA wins – both of which averaged just under one minute in length.

Juarez, of Torrance, Calif., is a familiar face on the West Coast fight scene who has been competing professionally since 2006. The 33-year-old made his Bellator MMA debut in the promotion’s second event and has since earned a 6-1 mark competing for the promotion. He now meets Ward, of Waterford, Conn., a onetime Bellator MMA Middleweight Title Challenger who has been competing exclusively for the promotion since 2012. The 26-year-old former Division III All-American wrestler has developed into a heavy-handed mixed-martial-artist, owning six career wins by knockout.

Butcher, of Huntington, W.V., is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Jorge Gurgel who makes his seventh appearance for Bellator MMA. All eight of Butcher’s career wins have come by way of finish, with five submissions and three knockouts, while his lone loss came by way of decision. McCrory, of Cortland, N.Y., recently returned from a five-year layoff to register a devastating first-round knockout victory, needed just 21 seconds to secure the win.

Flynn, of Mashpee, Mass., competes under the Bellator MMA banner for the first time and has never fought to a judges’ decision in six professional contests. He meets New York resident Gracie, a Renzo Gracie pupil who also makes his Bellator MMA debut.

Maldonado, of Latham, N.Y., is also a Renzo Gracie fighter who has made two previous Bellator MMA appearances but is still in search of his first win. He meets Tugman, of North Haven, Conn., who earned a Bellator MMA win over Brandon Fleming in September.

Costa, of Tauton, Mass., makes his professional debut against Hernandez, of Lynn, Mass., who has earned split results in his first two contests.

“Bellator: British Invasion” – Friday, February 27, Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.

Main Card (9 p.m. ET)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Title Fight: Champ Emanuel Newton (25-7) vs. Liam McGeary (9-0)

Bellator Welterweight Feature Fight: Paul Daley (35-13) vs. Andre Santos (37-9)

Bellator Heavyweight Feature Fight: Cheick Kongo (22-9-2) vs. “King Mo” Lawal (14-4)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Rameau Sokoudjou (16-12) vs. Linton Vassell (14-4)

Bellator Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Michael Page (7-0) vs. Curtis Millender (7-0)

Preliminary Card (6:45 p.m. ET)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Randy Costa (0-0) vs. Carlos Hernandez (1-1)

Bellator Heavyweight Prelim Fight: Raphael Butler (8-1-1) vs. Josh Diekmann (15-5)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Jesse Juarez (22-9) vs. Brennan Ward (9-3)

Bellator Middleweight Prelim Fight: Jason Butcher (8-1) vs. Tamdan McCrory (12-3)

Bellator Welterweight Prelim Fight: Bobby Flynn (4-2) vs. Neiman Gracie (2-0)

Bellator Bantamweight Prelim Fight: Marvin Maldonado (2-2) vs. Blair Tugman (6-5)

Dark Bout (approx. 11 p.m. ET)

Bellator Featherweight Dark Fight: Matt Bessette (13-6) vs. Josh Laberge (9-4)

 

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
Access the application for each fight by clicking on the proper banner

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Fight Network Presents Enfusion 24 Eindhoven LIVE this Saturday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. ET

Toronto | New York – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, presents the first live 2015 edition of Enfusion this Saturday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. ET, as Enfusion Live 24 invades Eindhoven, Netherlands with a star-studded line-up of professional kickboxing.

 

Fight Network’s live broadcast will air on Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Grande Communications, Shentel Cable and Armstrong Cable in the U.S., nationwide in Canada, Roku devices across North America, and in Turkey on D-Smart.

 

In the main event, the Enfusion heavyweight world championship is on the line as Morocco’s Ismael Lazaar battles Belgium’s Thomas Vanneste.

 

Other fights rounding out the card include Morocco’s Mohammed Jaraya against Turkey’s Tayfun Ozcan, Morocco’s Khalid El Bakouri versus Poland’s Kamil Jenel, Dutchman Dennis Stolzenbach against Armenian Jegish Yegoian, an all-Dutch showdown between Sheena Widdershoven and Marieke Post, plus Indonesia’s Melvin Wassing meets Morocco’s Mohammed Hamicha.

 

Fight Network’s live broadcast kicks off at 3 p.m. ET.

 

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

Watch Wladimir Klitschko’s First world title defense from 2001 Monday night on Fight Network USA

 

NEW YORK (Feb. 5, 2015) — This coming Monday night (Feb. 9) at 11:30 p.m. ET, Fight Network USA will air the great Wladimir “Dr. Steelhammer”Klitschko’s first world heavyweight title defense, from 2001 against challenger Derrick “D-Train” Jefferson, as part of its InterBox Classics series. Klitschko vs. Jefferson will be replayedTuesday, Feb. 10 (9 a.m. ET) on Fight Network.

 

Fight Network is the world’s premier combat sports network dedicated to 24/7 coverage, including fights, fighters, fight news and fight lifestyle. The channel is available in the U.S. on Cablevision in parts of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey, Texas-based Grande Communications, Armstrong Cable in Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, as well as on Shentel Cable in Virginia, West Virginia and portions of western Maryland. Fight Network is also on Roku set top boxes throughout America and streaming live on website KlowdTV.com.

 

Klitschko captured his first world title by defeating World Boxing Organization (WBO) defending champion Chris Byrd, by way of a one-sided 12-round decision, five months prior to Klitschko’s aforementioned March 24, 2011 title defense in Munich, Germany against Jefferson.

 

On the eve of his 25th birthday, the 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning Klitschko (35-1) destroyed Jefferson (23-2-1), who was dropped three times for a technical knockout in the second round.

 

Klitschko (63-3, 53 KOs) will defend his WBA Super, WBO, IBF and IBO world titlesApril 25 against undefeated Bryant Jennings (19-0, 10 KOs) at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.

 

Demand Fight Network if your cable or satellite provider doesn’t offer it!

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

Klitschko – Jennings Press Conference Photos & Quotes From Madison Square Garden

Photo Credit, Will Hart / Klitschko Management Group

New York City (February 4, 2015) – IBF/WBA/WBO/IBO and “The Ring Magazine” World Heavyweight Champion WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO and top rated challenger BRYANT JENNINGS along with their respective teams held the Kick-Off Press conference for their highly anticipated battle set for Saturday, April 25 at Madison Square Garden, “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”

 

“THE CHAMPION RETURNS” will be televised Live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT in the United States and RTL in Germany among the more than 150 countries which will telecast the event.

 

Presented by K2 Promotions and Klitschko Management Group in association with Gary Shaw Productions, tickets priced at $1000, $600, $300, $200 and $100 can be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office,www.TheGarden.com and www.Ticketmaster.com.

 

WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO

“Let us, Bryant and me, entertain you on April 25th here in New York at Madison Square Garden. I see how Bryant Jennings acts. I see how he walks, I see how he shakes hands, I see how he speaks, and he has the qualities of Rocky Balboa from Philadelphia.”

 

“Thank you to HBO. Eventually you believed in me. I’m back on your network and I’m happy about it. Like Sinatra said, ‘If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. Right event, right venue and right city. I fought here for the first time 15 years ago and I’m so happy to come back here and fight.”

 

BRYANT JENNINGS:

“This is it.  I like to thank everyone involved with this promotion and my city of Philadelphia.  It took a long time to make this fight happen and through it all I stayed calm.  I commend my team for allowing me to be the athlete that I am while these negotiations were going on. On April 25th history will definitely be made and it will be made by me.  One of us has to lose and it isn’t going to be me. Enough of the talking, I’m ready to fight.”

 

BERND BOENT/CEO, KMG Management:

“This is Wladimir’s 27th world title fight, it was 15 years ago when he first fought here. I’d like to thank Joel Fisher and his terrific team here at Madison Square Garden, this venue truly is the home of heavyweight champions and we are very excited to have this event here. I’d also like to thank our broadcast partners HBO and RTL without whom events like this would be possible.

 

TOM LOEFFLER/K2 Promotions:

“This is K2 Promotions’ eighth event at Madison Square Garden and we’re honored to work with the outstanding team here. We’ve already sold over 5,000 tickets which is just an incredible response to announcing this event.”

 

GARY SHAW/Gary Shaw Productions:

“Madison Square Garden is the mecca of boxing, the ring is in the Hall of Fame, this is what heavyweight boxing is all about.  25 years ago on February 11, 1990, Buster Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson. I believe on April 25th history will once again be made for an American heavyweight to do something spectacular, but this time instead of being overseas, it will be here in the United States at the Madison Square Garden. I believe Bryant Jennings will become the unified heavyweight champion of the world on April 25th.”

 

JAMES PRINCE, Manager of Jennings:

“This is a dream come true for us and we can’t wait.  There are a lot of doubters out there right now and they believe there is no way Bryant Jennings is going to be able to deliver a victory on April 25th.  I would like for you all to show up because Bryant Jennings is going to show out, and we shall be champion.”

 

FRED JENKINS, Trainer of Jennings:

“I do know the pedigree of where Bryant Jennings comes from, he’s going to give it all he’s got.  This is a one sided fight and I believe its going to be all Bryant “By-By” Jennings.”

Bellator MMA Lightweight World Champion Will Brooks meets Dave Jansen on April 10 at Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif.

 

Follow us on Twitter Easy Tweet: Title Defense Time! @illwillbrooks86 v @DaveJansen155 plus @Joeschilling3 v 

@RafaelCarvalh74 is set for April 10 @brencenter in Irvine, CA 

 

Bellator MMA: Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen Coming to SPIKE!
Bellator MMA: Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen Coming to SPIKE!

 

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 4, 2015) – Bellator MMA Lightweight World Champion “Ill” Will Brooks (15-1) returns to action on April 10, when he faces top contender Dave “The Fugitive” Jansen (20-2) at Bren Events Center in Irvine, Calif on April 10.

The two men compete in the headlining bout of the newly announced “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” event, which also features a middleweight affair between Brazilian knockout machine Rafael Carvalho (10-1) and another man known for his sensational striking in Joe Schilling (2-3)

Both bouts take place on the evening’s main card, which airs live and free on Spike TV at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts stream on Spike.com at 7 p.m. ET.

Tickets for “Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” go on sale next Friday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. PT and are available online at www.ucirvinetickets.com  (under the Bren Events Center tab) and through the UC Irvine Ticket Office.

“I’m really looking forward to this one,” said Bellator President Scott Coker.  “Brooks and Schilling were two huge components to our successful show last November, and I wanted to get them another fight as quickly as possible.” With Will Brooks, you’ve got a phenomenal athlete with a tremendous personality.  He is someone who brings it each and every time he gets in the cage. Joe Schilling is one of those incredible strikers who just has danger written all over him.  I think our team has really done a great job in finding both of these guys extremely tough opponents in Jansen and Carvalho respectively, and I’m happy that I’ll have one of the best seats in the house..

Additional bouts will be announced shortly.

The 28-year-old Brooks looks to make the first defense of the undisputed Bellator MMA Lightweight World Title he earned in November with a thrilling, fourth-round finish of former champ Michael Chandler. Prior to the win, Brooks boasted Bellator MMA’s Interim Lightweight World Title, which he also earned with a victory over Chandler. Overall, Brooks – an American Top Team athlete – is on a seven-fight winning streak and has lost just once in his 16-fight career.

Across the cage from him, the 35-year-old Jansen also brings a seven-fight winning streak to the cage. An eight-year veteran of the sport, Jansen earned his shot at the belt with a 2012 tournament victory after registering wins over Marcin Held, Ricardo Tirloni and Magomed Saadulaev. He was scheduled to fight for the title in 2013, but an injury forced him to withdraw from the contest. Once healthy, rather than sit around and wait for a rescheduled title shot, Jansen chose to remain active, scoring an October 2014 win over Rick Hawn.

Carvalho is a 28-year-old Brazilian who made an immediate impact in his promotional debut, scoring a first-round TKO win over nine-time Bellator MMA veteran Brian Rogers. Carvalho is quickly establishing himself as one of the most devastating strikers in the world today, notching nine of his 10 career wins by knockout, including five that came in the first round. Carvalho lost his professional debut in 2011 but has since earned 10 straight victories.

The 31-year-old Schilling has been fighting professionally since 2006, starting his combat sports career in kickboxing, where he earned both U.S. national and world titles in Muay Thai. While he’s since turned his focus to MMA, Schilling continues to compete in striking events, as well, working his way to GLORY’s Last Man Standing tournament this past June, competing three times in a single evening. Schilling made his Bellator MMA debut in November, scoring a “Knockout of the Year” candidate with his stoppage of noted striker Melvin Manhoef.

“Bellator: Brooks vs. Jansen” – Friday, April 10, Bren Events Center, Irvine, Calif.

Bellator Lightweight Title Fight: Champ Will Brooks (15-1) vs. Dave Jansen (20-2)

Bellator Middleweight Feature Fight: Rafael Carvalho (10-1) vs. Joe Schilling (2-3)

 

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

 

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.
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