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Fight Network, kickboxing

Fight Network weekly MMA & kickboxing programming (Jan. 12-18)

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Fight Network, a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

Fight Network, a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, boxing, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

 

Monday, Jan. 12

 

7:00 p.m. ET – 5 Rounds – Hosts John Ramdeen and Robin Black invite special guests to break down the weekend of MMA action.

 

7:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Enfusion Live: Groningen – Professional kickboxing featuring Rachida Bouhout vs. Laetitia Bakissy for the Enfusuion women’s 64kg title from Nov. 30, 2013 in Groningen, Neatherlands.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 13

 

12:30 p.m. ET – XPTV – Coverage of regional U.S. professional and amateur MMA events.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – Xtreme Fighting Championship – Florida-based professional MMA featuring top American prospects, international stars and UFC veterans.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – Journey Fight Series 10 – Featuring Chris McMillan, Ben Pride, Matt Speciale and Manny Andrew in tournament action from Calgary.

 

Wednesday, Jan. 14

 

2:00 a.m. ET – Fighting Spirit MMA Season 4 – Compilation of international fights from SFL, Legend, FFC, M-1 and more.

 

3:00 a.m. ET – Texas Fight Night – MMA action from Texas featuring the Lone Star’s top prospects in the cage.

 

4:00 a.m. ET – Rocktagon MMA – Professional and amateur MMA from the Buckeye State of Ohio featuring the next generation of stars.

 

Thursday, Jan. 15

 

1:30 a.m. ET – Ultimate Challenge MMA 28: Bostwick vs. Facey – Featuring Jke Bostwick vs. Jermaine Facey from May 26, 2013 from London.

 

6:00 a.m. ET – Best of Cage Rage – Featuring classic fights from the UK-based Cage Rage organization with Anderson Silva, Vitor Belfort, Paul Daley and others.

 

6:00 p.m. ET – Championship Fighting Alliance – Professional MMA from Florida featuring the likes of Josh Sampo, Mike Jyle, John Howard, Sean McCorkle, Luis Palomino and others.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – Enfusion Season 3 – Fighters from 18 different countries compete in the 85 kg MAX category in Ohrid, Macedonia as they live and train together in their quest for a kickboxing title.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – DEEP: 69 Impact – Featuring Yoshiyuki Nakanishi vs. Ryuta Sakurai and Mizuto Hirota vs. Masakazu from Oct. 26, 2014 in Tokyo.

 

Friday, Jan. 16

 

12:00 a.m. ET – It’s Showtime Special – The world’s premier kickboxing organization featuring Badr Hari, Melvin Manhoef and Giorgio Petrosyan.

 

2:00 a.m. ET – Pancrase Classics – Classic pioneering MMA battles featuring Ken Shamrock, Frank Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Nate Marquardt, Chael Sonnen and others.

 

4:00 a.m. ET – Best of DEEP – Featuring class fights from the historic Japanese DEEP promotion including Shinya Aoki, Hayato Sakurai and Gegard Mousasi.

 

5:00 a.m. ET – Best of Jewel – Classic fights from the all-female Japanese MMA league, Jewels.

 

6:00 p.m. ET – M-1 Challenge – Professional MMA from Europe featuring top rising prospects and international stars.

 

8:30 p.m. ET – Hip Show: Arena Combat – Tag-team MMA inside a 12m-by-12m arena with three levels.

 

9:00 p.m. ET — KSW 14: Pudzianowski vs. McCorkle 2 – Featuring Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. San McCorkle, plus Karol Bedorf vs. Pawel Nastila from Sept. 28, 2013 in Lodz, Poland.

 

Saturday, Jan. 17

 

6:00 a.m. ET – Best of TKO – Featuring Hatsu Hioki’s epic battle against Mark Hominick from TKO 25, plus Martin Desilets in action.

 

7:00 a.m. ET – Best of Gladiator Challenge – Featuring Jake Shields vs. Robert Ferguson from Gladiator Challenge 7.

 

10:00 a.m. ET – Best of SportFight – Top quality MMA from the Pacific Northwest, hosted by UFC veterans Matt Lindland and Chael Sonnen.

 

6:30 p.m. ET – MMA Meltdown with Gabriel Morency – Gabriel Morency breaks-down all the happenings in MMA, discussing odds, predictions, plus special weekly guests and exclusive interviews.

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Fight News Now: MMA Edition – Covering all the happenings in the MMA world with exclusive analysis and features.

 

8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis of the fight game.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – Final Fight Championship 10 Kickboxing: Kreshnik vs. Belosevic – Featuring Rustemi Kreshnik vs. Dino Belosevic in kickboxing action from Dec. 13, 2014 in Skopje, Macedonia.

 

Sunday, Jan. 18

 

10:00 a.m. ET – Best of ADCC – Featuring compilations of the greatest grappling matches ever held, featuring Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, Eddie Bravo, Fabricio Werdum, Marcelo Garcia, Ronaldo Souza and Royler Gracie.

 

11:00 a.m. ET – Elite Muay Thai: Thailand vs. Challenger – The biggest Muay Thai series in the world, featuring premium international stand-up fighters taking on the renowned Thai National Team.

 

4:00 p.m. ET – KSW 29: Khalidov vs. Cooper – Featuring Mamed Khalidov vs. Brett Cooper and Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Pawel Nastula from Dec. 6, 2014 in Krakow, Poland.

 

7:00 p.m. ET – USA Wrestling Weekly – Host Scott Casber gives weekly news and analysis centering around USA Wrestling, the sport’s national governing body, including interviews, features and look back at the past.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork

 
ABOUT 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 in the U.S. and Canada and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fight Network recently launched on live streaming website KlowdTV.com.
boxing, Fight Network

Fight Network weekly boxing programming schedule (Jan. 12-18)

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Fight Network, a 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It airs programs focused on the entire scope of the combat sports genre, including live fights and up-to-the-minute news and analysis for boxing, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, professional wrestling, traditional martial arts, fight news, as well as fight-themed drama series, documentaries and feature films.

 

Below find highlights of this week’s programming:

 

Monday, Jan. 12

 

11:00 p.m. ET — InterBox Classics: Brown vs. Aziz – Featuring Dale Brown vs. Sajad Abdul for the NABF cruiserweight title from May 28, 1998 in Montreal.

 

Tuesday, Jan. 13

 

6:00 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Classics – Reliving memorable boxing fights from the past two decades.

 

8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis on the fight game.

 

11:00 p.m. ET – UBF All-America Championship: De Alba vs. Batres – Featuring Frank Santos De Alba vs. Pablo Batres for the vacant UBF All-America super featherweight title from June 28, 2014 in Reading, PA.

 

Thursday, Jan. 15

 

4:00 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all of the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the Sweet Science.

 

8:30 p.m. ET – Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis on the fight game.

 

Friday, Jan. 16

 

8:00 p.m. ET – Toe 2 Toe with Daniel Jacobs – Sit-down interview with world middleweight champion Daniel “The Golden Child” Jacobs.

 

Saturday, Jan. 17

 

8:30 p.m. ET — Fight News Now Extra – The latest news, recaps, features and inside analysis on the fight game.

 

Sunday, Jan. 18

 

7:30 p.m. ET – KOTV Boxing Weekly – Covering all the latest news in professional boxing, featuring full recent fights and highlights from the Sweet Science.

 

8:00 p.m. ET– Ultimate Classic Boxing: Robinson vs. Jones – Featuring “Sugar” Ray Robinson vs. Ralph Tiger Jones from Jan. 19, 1995 in Chicago.

 

9:00 p.m. ET – European Super Featherweight Championship: Boschiero vs. Kasmi– Featuring Devis Boschiero vs. Samir Kasmi for the European super featherweight title from Mar. 23, 2013 in Veneto, Italy.

 

11:00 p.m. ET – Banner: Best of the Decade – Acelino Freitas vs. Juan Carlos Ramirez for the WBA and WBO super featherweight titles from Mar. 15, 2003 in Chicago.

 

Monday, Jan. 12

 

1:00 a.m. ET – Best of GYM Boxing: Herman Ngoudjo Early Days Part 4 – Classic boxing action from Groupe Yvon Michel in Quebec, featuring the likes of Jean Pascal, Lucian Bute, Otis Grant and Herman Ngoudjo.

 

Information:

 

www.FightNetwork.com

 

Twitter & Instagram @fightnet

 

www.Facebook.com/FightNetwork
ABOUT 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 in the U.S. and Canada and available on all major carriers in Canada and more than 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fight Network recently launched on live streaming website KlowdTV.com.
boxing, Showtime Boxing

Bermane ‘B. Ware’ Stiverne Proud to be 1st Haitian & Quebecer Heavyweight Champion of the World

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EOTTM LOGO

LAS VEGAS (January 12, 2015) – Although he has lived in Las Vegas for the past decade, Bermane “B. Ware” Stiverne (24-1, 21 KOs) is extremely proud to be the first world heavyweight champion from his native Haiti, as well as the first from the Province of Quebec to hold that coveted title.

 

Today, Stiverne is a role model in his native Haiti, as well as in his second home, Quebec, where he trained for many years as an amateur and professional, in addition to fighting in Montreal twice as a pro.

 

Stiverne makes the first defense of his World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight title, which he captured last May with an impressive sixth-round technical knockout of dangerous Chris Arreola (35-4), this Saturday night (Jan. 17) against undefeated, mandatory challenger Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (32-0, 32 KOs), airing live on Showtime Championship Boxing (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) from MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Stiverne-Wilder is also airing live in Canada on TVA Sports.

 

Born in Haiti as the youngest boy and 11th of 13 children, “B. Ware” moved with his family at the age of 10 to Miami, where, ironically, he was bullied at school. He resettled in Montreal, Quebec, often going back and forth between there and Miami, before moving to Las Vegas in 2004.

 

“I’ve lived here in the United States since 1988,” Stiverne said. “My parents moved to Miami and then back and forth between Miami and Montreal. After school, when I was older, I moved to Las Vegas to pursue my boxing career.

 

“I represent the country I was born in, Haiti, and then Quebec, but I also love the United States. But, first, I’m from Haiti and I want to give hope to those Haitians who don’t have a lot. I want to inspire people there by letting them know it doesn’t matter where you are born, that dreams can come true like it has for me. There aren’t a lot of opportunities there and I hope Haitians pursue their dreams like I did.”

 
(L) WBC heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne and his manager Camille Estephan

“I know how proud Bermane is to be the first Haitian and first guy from Quebec to be heavyweight champion of the world,” Stiverne’s manager Camille Estephan added. “It really means the world to him. Quebec is a hotbed for boxing and the heavyweight division is the flagship of boxing. We’ve proven that and silenced those who say boxing is dying. The record number of media credentials request for this fight at an international level is crazy.”

 

“B. Ware” of Stiverne!

 

For further information visit www.eottm.com, or follow on Twitter @eotmvd and @BStiverne.
Amateur MMA, mixed martial arts, New England Fights

THE FLYWEIGHTS WILL THROW DOWN ONFEBRUARY 7 IN LEWISTON

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Lewiston, Maine (January 12, 2015) –New England Fights (NEF), America’s number-one regional fight promotion, presents its sixteenth mixed martial arts (MMA) event, “NEF XVI,” on February 7, 2015 in Lewiston, Maine.  The event is scheduled to originate from the Androscoggin Bank Colisee. Earlier today, NEF announced the addition of an amateur flyweight bout to the fight card.  Dustin Veinott (2-3) is scheduled to face “Downtown” Dave Brown (1-1) at a fight weight of 125-pounds.

 

Veinott fights out of Auburn, Maine.  He is currently a striking coach at Central Maine Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CMBJJ) – a Team New England United (NEU) affiliate.  Veinott had a slow start to his amateur MMA career, losing his first three in a row.  Many would have called it quits at that point, but not Veinott.  Exhibiting incredible heart and determination, Dustin returned at “NEF XIII” last May and knocked Dan Thayer (0-2) out cold a mere 25-seconds into the first round.  Veinott followed up that performance by putting Justin Witham (0-2) to sleep in the first round with a rear-naked choke at “NEF XV” this past fall.  He assures fight fans that they will see an exciting scrap between himself and Dave Brown on February 7.

 

“I know this is going to be a tough fight,” said Veinott when reached for comment. “I am expecting a war.  I will give my best, as I always do.  Be prepared to see a very entertaining fight.”

 

A native of North Andover, Massachusetts, Dave Brown earned his wrestling pedigree at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire during the late 1990s and early 2000s.  He currently trains out of White Mountain BJJ in the Granite State town of Ashland.  Having fought, and lost, one MMA fight previously on a small event several years earlier in Massachusetts, Brown had no idea what to expect when he entered the Androscoggin Bank Colisee this past November for his NEF MMA debut.  He scored a first-round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Doug Bailey (0-1) that evening before a raucous crowd of more than 1500.  Brown is ready for another taste of the big show coming up at “NEF XVI.”

 

“My last showing for NEF was my first time under the bright lights and in front of a big fight crowd,” said Brown.  “I didn’t know what to expect.  Now, I’m fully prepared.  I know that NEF’s fans demand a show.  I’m training with intensity and ready to put on a top-rate performance for a massive Maine audience.”

 

NEF’s next MMA event, “NEF XVI,” takes place on February 7, 2015with an all-star lineup of fights scheduled.  Ray “All Business” Wood (5-0) returns that night to defend the NEF MMA Featherweight Title against Bellator and WEC veteran Anthony “Cheesesteak” Morrison (16-9).  NFL and UFC The Ultimate Fighterveteran Tyler King (7-2) puts the NEF MMA Heavyweight Title on the line against Terry “The Polar Bear” Blackburn (5-2).  In the feature bout of the evening, UFC, Bellator and Strikeforce veteran Nah-Shon Burrell (10-5) makes his NEF MMA debut against Ryan Hodge (6-9).  Tickets start at just $25 and are on sale now at www.TheColisee.com or by calling The Colisee box office at 207.783.2009 x 525.  For more information on the event and fight card updates, please visit the promotion’s website at www.NewEnglandFights.com. In addition, you can watch NEF videos at www.youtube.com/NEFMMA, follow them on Twitter @nefights and join the official Facebook group “New England Fights.”

 

About New England Fights

 

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

boxing

GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki comments on Jerry Odom’s controversial disqualification

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Nutley, NJ(January 12, 2015)–This past Friday night at the Madison Square Garden Theater, previously undefeated Super Middleweight Jerry Odom suffered his first professional defeat when he was controversially disqualified when he was ruled to have hit Andrew Hernandez while he was down following a knockdown.

“Jerry dropped the kid and the referee was way out of position.  The referee was in the opposite corner,””said GH3 Promotions CEO Vito Mielnicki.

“We signed Hernandez before the fight so I am looking to do an immediate rematch as soon as mid February.  As everyone saw, Jerry was well on his way to stopping him.  Hernandez is a good prospect but Jerry got the best of him.  I think Andrew knew that Jerry was breaking him down.”

“The referee was way out of position to make a call like that  They could have given him five minutes to recover.  Stuff like this is a black eye for the sport.  All that being said, Andrew knows that if he wants to become something, he has to take the rematch.  I am going to talk to the commission on Monday and see what my options are in terms of an appeal but making the rematch is the first order of business for us.”

“We know that Jerry is still the top Super Middleweight prospect out there and we will not let this terrible ruling effect our plans for Jerry going forward.

 

GH3 Promotions features undefeated Middleweight Antoine Douglas, Super Middleweight’s Jerry Odom & Derrick Webster, undefeated Featherweight Glenn Dezurn Jr., undefeated Super Bantamweight Adam Lopez as well as Jr. Middleweight John Thompson, Jr. Lightweight Wanzell Ellison, Featherweight Jorge Diaz, undefeated Super Bantamweight Qa’id Muhammad and Light Heavyweight Lavarn Harvell to the GH3 Promotions stable.
boxing, women's boxing

Record Knockout Holder Crossed Replaces Injured Veazey January 23

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Baltimore, MD (January 11, 2015) – World record knockout holder Sam “Vanilla Gorilla” Crossed is replacing Joey Veazey in the main event of “Slugfest”January 23 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

 

Veazey was forced to withdraw due to an injury suffered in training.

 

An exciting heavyweight and former college football player, Crossed set a record by knocking out Adrien Bean in an astonishing four seconds in August 2013. Crossed, a former college football player who continues to improve inside the squared circle, meetsGlen Burnie native Jeff Knight for the East Coast Super Heavyweight Championship.

 

“Slugfest” is promoted by Baltimore Boxing Promotions and tickets starting at $25 are available at Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175. VIP seats for $50 and VIP tables of 10 for $500 are also available. All VIP ticketholders get free hors d’oeuvres from 7-8 pm. Doors open at 6:30 and the first bell will sound at 8:15.

 

Baltimore native Allan Burris of Baltimore faces Lamont White in the co-feature. The two fought in December, with Burris taking home the victory. Like Crossed, Burris trains out of the Baltimore Boxing Gym.

 

Young phenom Tommy Koe Jr. will appear on the card in a special attraction bout. Koe Jr. is slated to appear in this year’s nationals. Fans will also be treated to a special showdown between Courtney Hartlove and Melissa “Million Dollar Baby” Wilson. Hartlove and Wilson, who both work in the Federal Hill section ofBaltimore, will do battle for local bragging rights.

 

“While I’m disappointed that Joey Veazey is no longer on the card, I’m very pleased with our new main event,” said Jake Smith, CEO of Baltimore Boxing Promotions and President of the South Atlantic Boxing Amateur Boxing Program. “Fans love heavyweights and Sam Crossed has been creating a buzz around the area since his record-setting knockout. Ticketholders also get to see a future champion in Tommy Koe Jr., a guaranteed slugfest between two popular young ladies, the Burris-White rematch and other locals. Ticket sales have been great and we’re expecting a sellout on the 23rd.”

 

To help with their continued community efforts throughout the Charm City, Baltimore Boxing is hosting a 50/50 raffle. 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards Baltimore Boxing’s amateur program, which has helped keep kids off the street and in the gym for more than 20 years.

 

For more information, go to Baltimoreboxing.com

 

boxing

KENNETH SIMS JR. IMPROVES TO 5-0, LOOKS TO HAVE BIG 2015

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (January 11, 2015) – Chicago’s undefeated Jr. Welterweight prospect, Kenneth Sims Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) extended on his winning streak this past Saturday at the Madison Square Garden Theater with a dominating unanimous decision against tough opponent, Christian Steele (4-12, 1 KO).

 

Sims Jr., who was fighting in is second 6-round bout in only his fifth pro fight, showed why he was a top amateur standout, showcasing advanced boxing skills winning every round convincingly.  With each fight Sims Jr. feels he’s improving and wants to have a big 2015.

 

“I’m enjoying my journey as a professional,” said Kenneth Sims Jr. “I feel I’m getting better every time I step in the ring.  There is always room for improvement and I’m going to continue working hard in the gym.  Gary Shaw has said there will be many opportunities for me to take my career to the next level in 2015 and I want take full advantage of everything that comes my way. I’m hoping to make a quick return back to the ring.”

 

“Sims Jr. is progressing nicely as a professional prize fighter,” Gary Shaw said. “I think he’ll graduate to 8-round bouts after one more fight.  He seems to be making the 140 lbs weight limit with ease so we’ll keep him at Jr. Welterweight.  He’s got the height and reach attributes to give anyone in the division problems.  I see him having a big 2015.”

boxing

TUREANO JOHNSON WINS WBC SILVER & WBA INTERNATIONAL BELTS

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NEW YORK (January 11, 2015) – This past Friday at the Madison Square Garden Theater, Bahamian middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (18-1, 13 KOs) captured the WBA International and WBC Silver titles, with a bruising victory against Colombian contender Alex Theran (17-2, 2 KOs).  Johnson thumped the former Olympian Theran over five rounds, dropping him once in the 4th round, then again in the 5th.  Theran, who suffered an injury and could not return for the 6th round, was taking a beating before bowing out of the bout.

 

Rated WBC #8, WBA #12 and IBF #12, Tureano Johnson is looking to step up and challenge any of the champions in middleweight division.  After beating a solid fighter like Theran, and being robbed in the Curtis Stevens fight, Johnson is confident he can beat any of the current champions at 160 lbs.

 

“I’m ready to fight Gennady Golovkin, Miguel Cotto, Jermain Taylor or any other champion out there,” said Tureano Johnson.  These are the type of fights I would like to pursue.  David Lemieux is also on my hit list. I’m here to take over the division.  Everyone knows I should be undefeated so I’m going to leave no doubt about it every time I step in the ring.  I can’t afford to be robbed again.  With Gary Shaw putting me in a great position, I’m going to make the most of every opportunity.  My goal in 2015 is to become a world champion.”

 

“Tureano Johnson is marching up the rankings and should be applauded for his fighting style.” said Gary Shaw. “He’s the type of fighter everyone wants to see.  I’m going to push hard to get him back on TV, hopefully against a guy like Gennady Golovkin.  Johnson is a force in the middleweight division and you will see him in some big fights coming up.”

boxing

Melson Mourns the Loss of Bernie Lenahan

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New York, NY (January 11, 2015) – Bernie Lenahan was a rare breed by today’s boxing standards. Not only was he dedicated to the sport, spending countless hours at New York’s Mendez Boxing Gym, Lenahan was an honest family man that built special friendships with his fighters.

 

Having worked with various fighters in the Big Apple, Lenahan learned his craft by spending time around New York’s greats. He guided multiple fighters to New York Golden Gloves titles and played a key role during his four years as Boyd Melson’s assistant trainer and cutman. In multiple fights, Lenahan prevented tides from potentially turning by effectively closing Melson’s cuts between rounds. He was also in the gym guiding Melson as he prepared for battle.

 

Shockingly, Lenahan passed away last week, leaving behind a wife, daughter, granddaughter, two sisters and a brother.

 

“I spent more time with Coach Bernie these past four years than any other man on this planet,” said Melson. He made me his. My heart broke when I heard the news, and a part of it will be broken until my time is up in my own body. It wasn’t just because of how he loved me and how much I loved him that this hurts me so much, but it is because when Coach passed, hundreds and hundreds of people lost something very special.”

 

“Coach Bernie offered an unconditional kindness, acceptance and welcoming that you only find in children. When you see a child, you know that you won’t be judged, and you will be offered love for no other reason beyond that child just wanting to love you. At some time in almost all humans’ lives, we tend to lose this. We stop loving everyone, and we start judging everyone. With Coach though, we felt safe as seeing him put instant smiles on our faces because we always felt loved and welcomed.  He made you feel that he truly wanted you there and really cared about you. I wish everyone alive on this planet could have met Coach Bernie to experience that feeling. At the end of every practice for the past three years, I hugged Coach Bernie, kissed him on the side of his forehead, thanked him for training me that day, and said I love you to him. He would smile and quietly say “love you too.” Forever and a day, I thank you Coach for this.”

 

Donations to the Lenahan family can be made by going to https://www.crowdrise.com/BernieLenahan/fundraiser/jamescoppinger

boxing, ESPN Friday Night Fights

ESPN “FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS” FROM THE CHUMASH CASINO: POST FIGHT REPORT

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 DARLEYS PEREZ RETAINS WBA LIGHTWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE

 

SANTA YNEZ, CALIFORNIA (January 9, 2015) –  Tonight at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, California, Gary Shaw Productions presented his final show as a promotional company on ESPN “Friday Night Fights”.  In the 12-round main event, Darleys Perez (32-1, 20 KOs) won an impressive unanimous decision as he defended his WBA Interim Lightweight Championship against Jonathan Maicelo (21-2, 12 KOs).  Perez vs. Maicelo was a promoted in association with Thompson Boxing Promotions.

 

In the early rounds, Jonathan Maicelo was using lateral movement to set up his punches, but Darleys Perez was timing him every time he jumped in.  Maicelo to his demise was going straight back after every combination and Perez was making him pay.  As the fight entered the later rounds, Perez had control of the fight and was up on the scorecards.  Perez was timing his punches well and landed some very clean shots that had Maicelo off balance.  Perez caught Maicelo jumping in and sent him to the canvas in round eleven.  In round twelve, Perez closed the show as he landed a plethora of hard shots to close out the round.  Maicelo, gave a gallant effort in defeat.  Scorecards read 118-109, 118-108, 120-107 in favor of Perez.

 

“I was prepared for a tough fight,” said Darleys Perez. “Maicelo is an incredible competitor. It took me a few rounds to settle into a rhythm, but once I did, I was able to land whatever I wanted. After a few rounds, I was able to time his movements and connect with a variety of punches. I want to be the best in the lightweight division. That’s what drives me. I put my heart and soul into every fight and I’m going to keep preparing the same way.”

 

“I did my best tonight but was up against a better man in Darleys Perez.” said Maicelo. “He did a good job of using his reach to keep me off balance.  It was very difficult to land my shots.  He’s a great champion and I take my hat off to him.  I still want to fight and see if I can work my way back to the top.  This is not the end of my career.  I know I can get back in there and compete at a high level.”

 

FRANCISCO SANTANA WINS WBA INTERNATIONAL TITLE

In the 10-round co-main event, Santa Barbara’s welterweight contender, Francisco Santana (22-3-1, 11 KOs) didn’t need much time to finish off his opponent, Kendal Mena (20-0, 11 KOs) of the Dominican Republic.  While the taller Mena was trying to establish his distance and jab, Santana, the local hero, landed a left hook that dropped him in the begging of the round.  As soon as Mena got up off the canvas, Santana landed a right hook, left hook combo that put Mena down for good at the 1:43 mark of round one.  With the victory, Santana captures the WBA International Welterweight Championship.

 

“My trainer had a great game plan going into this fight,” said Francisco Santana. “Once I saw an opening in his defense I knew I could land my left hook.  This was great exposure for me and I’m very please I was able to get the knockout on national television.  I want to thank Gary Shaw for this opportunity and I look forward to the future with him moving forward with RocNation.  I’m ready to challenge any of the top welterweights in the division.”

 

“Tonight everyone showed up and gave it their best and the fans go to witness a great night of boxing.” said Gary Shaw. “Perez is a very tough fighter and I see him taking over the lightweight division.  Santana showed he has what it takes to be something special in the welterweight division and he’ll be in a very big fight in the near future.  I’m ready to start the next chapter of my legacy with RocNation and I’m very energized with what the future holds for all my fighters.”

 

Undercard

 

6-Round Super-Bantamweight Bout

Roman Morales (19-0, 10 KOs) vs. Ernesto Guerrero (15-14, 10 KOs)

San Andro, California’s undefeated Super-Bantamweight prospect, Roman Morales extending on his winning streak with an impressive 3rd round knockout.  After a slow start, Morales landed a left hook to the body in round three dropping Guerrero to the canvas.  The referee gave Guerrero the full 10 count and the bout was stopped at the 1:05 mark of the round.

 

6-Round Heavyweight Bout

Jarrell Miller (11-0-1, 9 KOs) vs. Aaron Kinch (5-4-2, 1 KO)

Brooklyn New York’s Jarrell Miller battered Newark, New Jersey’s Aaron Kinch over six rounds en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.  Even though Miller landed a plethora of power shots throughout the fight, Kinch survived, making it to the final bell giving the fans a spirited effort. Scorecards read 60-54 twice and 60-53 in favor of Miller.

 

6-Round Flyweight Female Attraction

Maria Suarez (8-1-1) vs. Jolene Blackshear (9-5, 4 KOs)

Santa Maria, California’s Maggie Suarez won a close majority decision against a very tough Jolene Blackshear.  Suarez used her superior boxing skills to squeak out the victory.  Jolene had her moments but it wasn’t enough as Suarez landed at a higher percentage in most of the rounds. Scorecards read 57-57, 58-56 for Maggie

 

4-Round Welterweight Bout

Manuel Romero (1-2-2) vs. Carlos Gonzalez (1-6)

Santa Maria California’s Manuel Romero made quick work of Carlos Gonzales.  Round one was all Romero as he came out guns blazing. In round two, Romero landed a barrage of punches and the referee halted the bout at the 2:16 mark of the round two.

 

4-Round Jr. Flyweight Female Attraction

Poula Estrada (2-0) vs. Kayana Rain (0-1)

Palmdale, California’s Poula Estrada did enough to pull off a close victory against a game Kayana Rain, who hails from Los Angeles. . The taller Estrada used a good jab and movement to negate the pressure style of Rain.  Although Rain landed some good power shots, Estrada landed the cleaner blows throughout the fight.  Scorecards read 38-38, 39-37 for Estrada.