All posts by FNU47

33rd annual Ring 8 Holiday Event & Awards Ceremony Dec. 8 in New York

Amanda Serrano, Adam Kownacki, Iran Barkley, Junior Jones and Tim Witherspoon among 2019 major award winners

NEW YORK (November 11, 2019) – The 33rd annual Ring 8 Holiday Event and Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday afternoon (12:30-5:30 p.m. ET), December 8, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.  

Ring 8 has announced its 2019 award winners (see complete list below), headlined by Fighter of the Decade Amanda “Real Deal” Serrano (37-1-1, 27 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of Puerto Rico; undefeated heavyweight contender (Fighter of the Year) Adam “Babyface” Kownacki (20-0, 15 KOs), of Brooklyn by way of Poland; Legend Award winners three-time, three division world champion Iran “The Blade” Barkley (43-19,1 27 KOs), of Bronx, and two-time, two-division world champion Junior “Poison” Jones (50-6, 28 KOs), of Brooklyn; and two-time world heavyweight champion “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon (55-13-1, 28 KOs), of Philadelphia, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award winner.

2019 RING 8 Award Winners

Fighter of the Decade:  Amanda Serrano

Fighter of the Year: Adam Kownacki

Legends Award:  Iran Barkley & Junior Jones,

Muhammad Ali Humanitarian: Tim Witherspoon

Sam Kellerman Media Award:  Gerry Cooney & Randy Gordon

Long & Meritorious Service:  Daryl Peoples

Uncrowned Champion: John Capobianco

Prospect of the Year: Left “2 Gunz” Gonzalez

Member of the Year:  James Monteverde

NYS Official of the Year:  Waleska Roldan

Trainer of the Year: Scott Lopeck

Manager of the Year: Keith Connolly

Community Service Award:  Michael Corleone

Amateur of the Year: Nisa Rodriguez

Amateur Official of the Year: Michael “Biggie” O’Conner

Good Guy Award:  Peter Frutkoff

The famous Jack Johnson Exhibit will be on display, Gerry Cooney will conducted a book signing and special guests will also be on hand.

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

Tickets are $125.00 include a complete brunch with cocktail hour upon entry, followed by seating at the awards ceremony, dinner and dessert, and top-shelf open bar throughout the afternoon. There will also be a silent auction of boxing memorabilia. This event is expected to sell-out and everybody is urged to purchase tickets as soon as possible to secure favorable seating. Donations of any denomination are welcome for those unable to attend the festivities. 

Program ads are available for Back Cover ($500.00), Inside Front or Back Cover ($400.00), Full Page ($200.00), Half-Page ($100.00), and Quarter-Page ($60.00). The deadline for all ads is November 24, 2019.  All checks for tickets or journal ads should be payable to Ring 8 (credit cards are acceptable).  Checks and journal ads should be mailed to Ring 8, P.O. Box 89, Massapequa Park, NY 11762

For additional information about Ring 8 or its annual Holiday Events and Awards Ceremony, contact Ring 8 president Charflie Norkus (516.781.3065 or Bob Duffy (516.313.2304), or go online to www.Ring8ny.com for more information.

Russo’s On The Bay is located at 162-45 Crossbay Blvd. in Howard Beach (718.843.5055).

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 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.

FOUR MMA CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT COLLISION COURSE IN PORTLAND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Portland, Maine (November 10, 2019) – New England Fights (NEF) held its most recent mixed-martial-arts (MMA) event, “NEF 41: Collision Course,” on Saturday night at Aura in Portland.  Four titles were decided on a thirteen-fight card held before a capacity audience.

In the main event, Cara Greenwell (10-4) played the role of spoiler, winning the NEF Amateur Women’s Strawweight Championship with a unanimous decision over Bangor, Maine’s Glory “The Fury” Watson (6-1).  Greenwell came all the way from Oklahoma for the fight.  It is the first blemish on the previously-undefeated Watson’s amateur record.

“Killa” Kam Arnold (6-1) retained the NEF Amateur Bantamweight strap with a devastating second-round knockout of Walt Shea (3-2) in the evening’s co-main event.  It was Arnold’s second successful defense of the title and the sixth knockout victory of his amateur career.

Zac “Rocky” Richard (5-2-1) captured the NEF Amateur Lightweight Title with a unanimous decision win over “Magic” Mike Murray (2-1).  The fight went back and forth for five grueling rounds and looked at one point like the doctor at cageside would stop the bout due to an injury on Richard’s knee.  The fight continued, however, and Richard pulled out the win on the judges’ scorecards.

Nate Boucher (6-3) defeated Steve Desjardins (5-4) via submission in the first round to become the new NEF Amateur Flyweight Champion.  The win was Boucher’s fourth in a row.

In addition to the fights, NEF announced that its first event of 2020 would take place on February 8 as the promotion debuts at the 1900-seat Merrill Auditorium in Portland.  The show is titled “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction” and tickets went on sale Saturday night at www.PortTix.com

Already announced for “NEF 42” is a five-round professional lightweight title fight between former NEF champion Bruce “Pretty Boy” Boyington (17-11) and WEC and UFC veteran Josh “The Fluke” Grispi (14-5).  Boyington has not fought in his home state of Maine in two years, while Grispi has been absent from competition since his release from the UFC in 2013.  Boyington previously held the promotion’s lightweight title before vacating it to sign with the World Series of Fighting.

Another lightweight fight announced for “NEF 42” will feature two Maine fan-favorites as Josh “Hook On” Harvey (7-0-1) puts his undefeated record on the line against Jesse “The Viking” Erickson (9-8).  Harvey is the reigning NEF Pro Featherweight Champion and one of the top prospects in the entire country.  Erickson will be looking to bounce back from a loss last summer in his attempt to capture the lightweight strap.

A third pro fight was announced for “NEF 42” that will feature locals Dominic “Domnation” Jones (2-3) and Carl Langston (0-4).  Jones most recently competed for global promotion Bellator on a fight card in Connecticut.  Langston, after a solid amateur career, will be looking for his first professional win in front of his hometown crowd.

The official results from Portland, Maine:


Cara Greenwell def. Glory Watson via unanimous decision
Kam Arnold def. Walt Shea via knockout, round 2
Zac Richard def. Mike Murray via unanimous decision
Nate Boucher def. Steve Desjardins via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1
Solomon Spigel def. George Pissimissis via technical submission, round 1
Joe Howard def. Jesse Fitzsimmons via doctor stoppage, round 1
Greg Ishihara def. Dylan Williams via technical knockout, round 1
Justin Middleton def. Jon Assam via tap to rear-naked choke, round 1
Brian Cosco def. Clifford Redman via technical submission, round 1
Caleb Austin def. Ryan Fogg via technical knockout, round 2
Nate White def. Austin Hamilton via technical knockout, round 1
Brandon Maillet-Fevens def. Tyler Knights via tap to rear-naked choke, round 2
Chandler Chapman def. Tim Bergeron via unanimous decision

New England Fights’ next mixed-martial-arts event, “NEF 42: Symphony of Destruction,” will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, Maine. Tickets are on sale now at www.PortTix.com.

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 fighters and fans alike. NEF’s executive team has extensive experience in combat sports management, events production, media relations, marketing, legal and advertising.

Alexander “The Great” Flores destroys Mario Heredia in 6

RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS® OFFICIAL RESULTS

Alexander “The Great” Flores (left) punished Mario Heredia
(Pictures by Manny “Mitts” Murillo / RJJ Boxing)
 
TUCSON, Arizona (November 9, 2019) – Heavy-handed California heavyweight Alexander “The Great” Flores returned to the ring last Thursday night with a vengeance, knocking out Mario “Chabelo” Heredia in the sixth round of the RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS main event, outdoors Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona.
 
RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS was streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS,the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports.
 
The 29-year-old Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs) hadn’t fought since last December in New Zealand, when he lost a controversial fight to former world champion Joseph Parker, in which Parker struck Flores numerous times below the belt, leading to a knockout.
 
Knockout-artist Flores floored his Mexican opponent, Heredia, three times during their fight in the third, fifth and the finisher in the sixth. Flores, who is a former World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth champion, used a vicious body attack, resulting in the last two knockdowns, against the 282-pound Heredia (16-8-1, 13 KOs).
 
Flores’ only two losses have been to world champions Parker and Charles Martin. Heredia, a former WBC FECOMBOX champion, who only three fights ago won a split decision over former WBC heavyweight world champion and Nigerian Olympian Samuel Peter.
 
In the co-featured event, red-hot Mexican welterweight Santiago Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs) blasted Ravshan Hudayhazarov (17-3, 13 KOs), the Uzbekistan fighter, stopping him only 43-seconds into the opening round in a devastating performance.
 
In his RJJ Boxing Promotions debut, undefeated California super middleweight Juan “Just Business” Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs) pitched a complete shutout victory, winning each round on all three-judges’ scorecards, in a unanimous decision over Phoenix veteran Fidel Hernandez (20-8-1, 11 KOs), who announced before the fight that this would be his last.
 
  Juan Barajas (R) is a sharpshooter
 
In the UFC FIGHT PASS opener, unbeaten Tucson welterweight Christopher Gonzalez (6-0-1, 1 KO) pulled off a mild upset, taking an eight-round unanimous decision from Marcos “Nazzy” Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs), the younger brother of Santiago.
 
Local fan favorite Briana “Amenaza” Sanchez (2-0-1, 2 KOs) and pro-debuting junior flyweight Amanda Borg (0-0-1), of Albuquerque, battled to a four-round majority draw in the opening, off UFC FIGHT PASS fight of evening.

Official results:
 
 
OFFICIAL RESULTS
 
MAIN EVENT – HEAVYWEIGHTS
Alexander Flores (18-2-1, 16 KOs), Rowland Heights, CA
WTKO6 (1:33)
Mario Heredia (16-8-1, 13 KOs), Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
 
CO-FEATURE – VACANT WBC US SILVER WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Santiago Dominguez (20-0, 16 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
WKO1 (0:43)
Ravshan Hudaynazarov (17-3, 13 KOs), Las Vegas, NV by way of Uzbekistan
(Dominguez won WBC Silver welterweight title)
 
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Juan Barajas (11-0, 7 KOs), Victorville, CA
WDEC8 (80-71, 80-71, 80-71)
Fidel Hernandez (20-8-1, 11 KOs), Phoenix, AZ.
 
WELTERWEIGHTS
Christopher Gonzalez (6-0-1), Tucson, AZ
WDEC8 (78-75, 77-75, 77-75)
Marcos Dominguez (11-2-1, 10 KOs), Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
 
FEMALE JUNIOR FLYWEIGHTS
Briana Sanchez (2-0-1, 2 KOs), Tucson, AZ
D4 (39-37, 38-38, 38-38)
Amanda Borg (0-0-1, 0 KOs), Albuquerque, NM
 
 
INFORMATION:
 
Websites:   http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.comwww.casinodelsol.com,www.ufc.tv/page/fightpass 
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @CDSResort
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @UFCFightPass, @KeithVeltre, @casinodelsolresort
Facebook: /KeithVeltre, /UFCFightPass, /CasinoDelSol

FULL RESULTS & PHOTOS FOR BELLATOR 233: SALTER VS. VAN STEENIS

Full Fight Night Photos Here

 

Main Card:

John Salter (17-4) defeated Costello van Steenis (12-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Andrew Kapel (15-6) defeated “King Mo” Lawal (21-10) via KO (punch) at 1:22 of round one

Arlene Blencowe (13-7) defeated Leslie Smith (11-8-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tyrell Fortune (8-0) defeated Zu Anyanwu (15-6) via TKO (punches) at 1:56 of round two

 

Preliminary Card:

Aaron McKenzie (7-1-1) defeated Sean Clements (3-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:31 of round one

Lucas Brennan (2-0) defeated Jacob Landin (0-3) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:38 of round one

Tyree Fortune (5-0) defeated Chuck Campbell (2-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Logan Storley (11-0) defeated E.J. Brooks (13-6) via TKO (injury) at 5:00 of round one

Julius Anglickas (8-1) defeated Jordan Young (11-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Amanda Bell (7-6) defeated Janay Harding (5-4) via TKO (punches) at 4:44 of round three

Kyle Crutchmer (5-0) defeated Robert Gidron (4-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Romero Cotton (4-0) defeated Jason Perrotta (3-4) via verbal submission (injury) at 2:16 of round one

Christian Edwards (2-0) defeated Cesar Bennett (0-1) via knockout (head kick) at 0:16 of round one

Grant Neal (2-0) defeated Jimmy Lugo (1-1) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-28)

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

****

STACKED NIGHT OF BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION LEADS UP TO ARTEM LOBOV VS. JASON KNIGHT REMATCH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW

BKFC Heavyweight Champion Chase Sherman Battles Joey Beltran,
All-Action Brawlers Johnny Bedford & Charles Bennett Square-Off &
Helen Peralta Faces Maia Kahunaele in Women’s Showdown

Plus! Gulfport’s Harris Stephenson Returns to Battle Kenny Licea,
All from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi

BILOXI, MS. (November 7, 2019) – A jam packed night of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship action will lead up to the highly anticipated main event rematch between Artem Lobov and Jason Knight on Saturday, November 16live on pay-per-view from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss.
 
The co-main event will see BKFC Heavyweight Champion and Mississippi-nativeChase Sherman defending his title against hard-hitting veteran Joey Beltran, plus BKFC staple Johnny Bedford battles Charles Bennett and Helen Peraltareturns to action after a victory on BKFC 7 to face former Ultimate Fighter competitor Maia Kahuanele.

“BKFC 9” will be broadcast across the United States and Canada, exclusively on pay-per-view through MultiVision Media, Inc., on all major television distribution outlets for $29.99. It will also be available to BKFC’s international broadcast partners worldwide and via stream to all in-home and out-of-home connected devices through FITE.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now at www.bareknuckle.tv or the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office.
 
The lineup continues with Gulfport, Mississippi’s Harris Stephenson facing Missouri’s Kenny Licea in a 170-pound bout, Mississippi-native Kaleb Harris in a 165-pound clash against Delaware’s Jeff Chiffens, plus another Mississippi-native entering the ring when Adam Pellerano meets Joe Pegg in a 150-pound duel.
 
Rounding out the night are a pair of 205-pound clashes as Maine’s Chris Sarrobattles West Virginia’s John McAllister while Oregon’s Wes Combs steps in against Mississippi’s Adrian Miles.
 
Fighting out of D’lberville, Mississippi, Sherman won the BKFC title from Arnold Adams at BKFC 7 in August. Sherman has fought seven times in UFC and 13 of his 14 pro MMA wins have come by TKO or knockout. He’s undefeated in his last five pro fights, with four wins and a draw.
 
Beltran has quickly become a BKFC mainstay, compiling a 2-1-1 record, with a win and a draw coming against Tony Lopez in a pair of memorable fights, including a Fight of the Year contender in June 2018 on the first BKFC card (Watch their first fight HERE and behind the scenes before their rematch HERE). Fighting out of Carlsbad, California, Beltran’s last BKFC fight saw him stop Jamie Campbell in the second round in June.
 
Bedford is one of the most accomplished BKFC fighters since the company’s inception, having won all four of his bare knuckle fights, and most recently became the BKFC Lightweight Champion by defeating Reggie Barnett Jr. on BKFC 6 in June. He will be moving up in weight to take Ocala, Florida’s Bennett, who was defeated in his only BKFC outing, but has a long pro MMA career of delivering exciting action no matter where he’s fighting.
 
After an impressive amateur MMA career, Iowa’s Peralta won two of her three Invicta fights in 2018. She made her BKFC debut earlier this year, defeating Christine Ferea at BKFC 7 in August. She looks to build on that momentum when she takes on Victorville, California’s Kahaunaele, who competed on the Ultimate Fighter Season 26 and most recently dropped a UFC contest to Polyana Viana. She had previously put together a five-fight MMA win streak prior to being on Ultimate Fighter.
 
# # #
 
About Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship
On June 2, 2018, Philadelphia-based Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) made combat sports history when it promoted the first legal, sanctioned and regulated bare knuckle event in the United States since 1889. “BKFC 1: The Beginning” took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming and featured 10 professional bouts, all under the auspices and control of the Wyoming Combative Sports Commission. BKFC uses only established fighters who have previously competed professionally in boxing, MMA, kickboxing and/or Muay Thai. All BKFC bouts are sanctioned and regulated by ABC member athletic commissions. For more information visitwww.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A
 and on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.

FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR, BELLATOR AND THE USO TEAM UP TO SALUTE THE TROOPS WITH SPECIAL LIVE EVENT IN HAWAII ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

JOSH BARNETT MAKES HIS BELLATOR DEBUT AGAINST RONNY MARKES IN HEAVYWEIGHT MAIN EVENT ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

 

LOS ANGELES – To honor the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Bellator MMA has once again partnered with the USO to present a special live event free for the troops, along with their friends and families, on Friday, December 20. Emanating from Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, this unique show will be headlined by a heavyweight bout featuring the Bellator debuts of “The Warmaster” Josh Barnett (35-8) and Ronny Markes (19-7).

 

For a second year, the USO and Bellator team up to honor the men and women who fight for our freedom and to bring entertainment and a piece of home to service members based in Hawaii during the holiday season. This Salute the Troops event will bring Bellator athletes and personalities to the military community and provide a live free event as a thank you for their sacrifices and dedication to our country, especially for those who are separated from family and home during the holidays. Much like last year, Bellator and the USO will also partner for a week of special events in Hawaii leading up to the big weekend of exciting fights on December 20 and 21.

 

As the leading military support organization, the USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. This holiday season, hundreds of thousands of service members will remain on duty, away from home. The USO, through its programs, services and entertainment tours, is committed to bringing a piece of home to our nation’s service men and women. MMA fans and military supporters can help keep troops strong and connected to home by visiting www.USO.org/Holidays and by using the hashtag #USOHolidays when sharing how they have helped the USO’s critical mission to make the holidays special for our military heroes.

 

Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops will air on Paramount Network on Friday, December 20 at 10 p.m. ET/9 p.m. CT. The entire event will also stream on DAZN, while preliminary bouts will stream on Bellator.com and globally on the Bellator Mobile App. Details for exclusive ticket distribution will be announced in the coming days.

 

This unforgettable night will be part of an historic weekend culminating with the previously announced Bellator Hawaii: Macfarlane vs. Jackson on Saturday, December 21. This highly-anticipated fight card includes undefeated Bellator women’s flyweight champ Ilima-Lei Macfarlane defending her title against Kate Jackson, and A.J. McKee taking on Derek Campos in a quarterfinal matchup of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix.





After signing with Bellator in April, former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett will make his return to MMA competition for the first time since 2016. A second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Barnett has remained prevalent in the combat sports realm, competing in jiu-jitsu events, promoting and performing at his own professional wrestling shows and working as a color commentator for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Barnett is no stranger to the devoted MMA fanbase in Hawaii, fighting for regional Hawaiian promotion Superbrawl in 1999 and 2000, a stint that included three fights in one night to win the Superbrawl 13 heavyweight tournament. One of the top heavyweights of all-time, the Strikeforce, Pride, UFC, K-1, NJPW, Pancrase, and Affliction mainstay owns victories over legendary stars, including Dan Severn (2x), Semmy Schilt (2x), Randy Couture, Mark Hunt, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Pedro Rizzo, Sergei KharitonovFrank MirRoy Nelson and Andrei Arlovski.

 

Fighting professionally since 2007, Ronny Markes will join the Bellator ranks following 26-fights all over the globe including three wins in UFC. Competing for a majority of his nearly 13-year career at middleweight, the 31-year-old will now lace up the gloves as a Bellator heavyweight. Hailing from Natal, Brazil, Markes is coming off a TKO victory in June, and will add another big-name fighter to his list of opposition, a list that includes fights against Yoel Romero, Thiago Santos, Aaron Simpson and Paulo Filho.

 

Updated Bellator and the USO Present: Salute the Troops Fight Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Josh Barnett (35-8) vs. Ronny Markes (19-7)

 

*Card subject to change

 

Please visit Bellator.com and USO.org for more information.

GERVONTA DAVIS AND BADOU JACK DISCUSS UPCOMING DECEMBER 28 MATCHUPS – Davis To Face Yuriorkis Gamboa For WBA Lightweight World Championship While Jack Challenges WBA Light Heavyweight Titlist Jean Pascal Live On SHOWTIME® From State Farm Arena In Atlanta

WHAT: Gervonta Davis and Badou Jack met with members of the media last Saturday in Las Vegas to discuss their upcoming matchups taking place Saturday, December 28 live on SHOWTIME at the award-winning State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a special year-end Premier Boxing Champions event.
 
Two-time super featherweight champion Davis will take on former unified world champion Yuriorkis Gamboa for the WBA Lightweight World Championship as the 24-year-old Davis looks to conquer another division.  In the co-main event of a special holiday SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast, former two-division champion Jack will challenge WBA Light Heavyweight World Champion Jean Pascal. 
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are available through Ticketmaster.com.
 
Also participating in Saturday’s luncheon at Wolfgang Puck at MGM Grand were Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, and Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports & Event Programming, Showtime Networks Inc.
 
Here’s what the fighters and executives had to say:
 
GERVONTA DAVIS:
Thoughts about Gamboa and moving up in weight:
“We know Gamboa is a veteran and that he’s had a lot of wars, so we know we have a tough fight. He’s definitely dangerous. He can hit. He can fight.
 
“His last fight he made 134, so we know he can get bigger than me at that weight. I’m going into this knowing he’s a bigger fighter than me. I’m just going to bring my power and capitalize on that weight class and becoming world champion.
 
“I believe I’m one of the top fighters in the world, but I don’t compare myself to other fighters. I just go out and get the job done.
 
“Atlanta is my second home. I’m confident I’ll sell it out.”
 
On his ability and uniqueness as a fighter:
“I come from a different cloth than these other guys. I’ve been through everything in my life. A lot of people haven’t experienced what I have. If I ever get beat it would have to be by someone who’s been through what I have been through. It can’t be anyone who’s just been training all their life.
 
“Every time I step in the ring I’m willing to leave it all in there. A lot of people haven’t seen my full skills because I haven’t fought an opponent that has brought them out.”
 
On his potential in the sport:
“The boxing world hasn’t seen my true potential as a fighter, they’ve just seen my power. I’m the type of boxer where if you don’t belong in there with me, you won’t be in there too long. Some fighters like to take their time. I’m the type, if I know you’re not on my level, I’m going to show it. The world will see. I’ll fight anybody.”
 
BADOU JACK:
On his upcoming matchup against Pascal:
“I’m excited for this fight. I actually called Pascal the day before his last fight and let him know I was rooting for him. But this is business at the end of the day. I’m coming to take back my title.”
 
On how he feels at this age:
“I feel like a young 36 years old. I live a clean life. I’m always in the gym training and I try not to take any punishment. I have a couple of years left and I’m more motivated now than ever. I needed that little break. I hadn’t had a break since I was an amateur twenty years ago. I took time to relax with the family and eat good food. Now I’m hungry.”
 
On his last performance against Marcus Browne:
“Everyone who saw me in my last fight could see I was flat. My fighting instinct kicked in at that point. He was fighting a dead man.” 
 
On the Davis vs. Gamboa matchup:
“It’s a great fight. Gamboa is a little older, but he looked good in his last fight. I’m a big, big fan of Tank – the way he fights, his speed, his athleticism, everything. He has star power. He was on my undercard, now I’m on his. He’s going to bring great things to the sport and as long as he stays focused, he’s going to be a superstar.  He’s already a superstar.”
 
LEONARD ELLERBE:
On Davis’ position and progression in the sport:
“We’re going to show everyone how he’s going to become the biggest star in the sport. In 2020 we’re going to blow this out of the water.  We’ve been able to think outside the box.  That’s how you grow the sport.  We’ve made a concerted effort to cross him over to the mainstream; working with the Baltimore Ravens, his parade, now Atlanta. 
 
“Our plan is to make the biggest and best fights out there. We’re going to call the shots and it’s going to be on our terms, and we’ll let everyone know when that happens. Everyone wants to fight Tank. There’s one common thing when you talk about 126, 130, 135, and now 140. There’s one name that’s common among the fighters and that’s Tank. This is going to be a great journey and you better get on it now.
 
“If he can get past Gamboa on December 28, then in 2020 he’s going into that pay-per-view world. When you have that kind of star power and you’re thinking outside of the box, not just boxing fans, we’re going to make the biggest fights out there in the world.”
 
On Badou Jack:
“Badou’s a promoter’s dream. He’s a guy who gives you no problems. He’s out there doing wonderful things for himself and his family. He’s doing so much to help so many others. He’s using his platform in the right way. It’s an honor to work with a fighter like him.
 
“I always knew he was a great talent and sometimes you can find the diamonds in the rough. Everyone’s always looking at the guys coming out of the Olympics. We saw him in the gym and he really messed a guy up. We had an eye on him and we worked out a deal with Lou [DiBella] and the rest is history.
 
“We had one setback, but everything happens for a reason, and he’s just taken off since. He’s a great fighter and I like the fact that he’s always willing to fight the best. Never had to second guess that he’s willing to fight everybody.” 
 
STEPHEN ESPINOZA:
“There are advantages and disadvantages to promoting a show on this date. There has been a lot of success promoting music shows on that weekend. It’s not apples to apples, but it’s one of the factors that went in and there’s a way to turn this into something special and unique because of Gervonta’s fan base.
 
“It’s great to have skilled boxers but we need, for the health of the sport, guys like Gervonta who are putting butts in the seats. That’s the key in bringing him to Atlanta. Boxing is a part of a culture that crosses over into music and sports. There’s not an athlete who doesn’t watch a pay-per-view boxing match. Tapping into that with a personality like Tank is only going to expand the sport.
 
“There’s an authenticity and an openness about Gervonta. There’s a lot of people who’ve had setbacks who don’t talk about it, like Tank. It takes a risk to talk about that and that’s why a lot of people can relate. This is Tank. What you see is what you get. It’s very real. It’s very authentic and I think that’s why people connect with him the person as opposed to him the fighter.”
 
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Highly Anticipated WBC Super Welterweight Title Rematch Between Tony Harrison & Jermell Charlo Headlines Live in Primetime on FOX PBC Fight Night & On FOX Deportes Saturday, December 21 from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT

ONTARIO, Calif. (November 5, 2019) – The highly anticipated WBC Super Welterweight Title rematch between Tony “Superbad” Harrison and Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo will headline live in primetime in FOX PBC Fight Night Action and on FOX Deportes Saturday, December 21 from Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
 
Harrison vs. Charlo II is a high-voltage rematch that has been building ever since the end of the first matchup. The two were set to meet in June, but the rematch was postponed when Harrison suffered torn ligaments after spraining his ankle in training.
 
Now that he is fully healed, Harrison is ready to solidify his hold on the title while Charlo is ready to take back what he believes belongs to him. The rematch comes just one day short of a full year from the first time the two stepped into ring against each other on FOX.
 
“After a dramatic and razor thin first fight, Tony Harrison and Jermell Charlo are sure to be at their best on December 21 when they settle their rivalry in a can’t miss rematch,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is the kind of high stakes 50-50 fight that belongs in primetime on FOX and I know that the Southern California boxing fans watching in Ontario will love everything that these two champions bring to the ring.”
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
 
In the first meeting, Harrison deployed a tactical defensive strategy that blunted much of the force of Charlo’s high-powered offense. The intrigue of the rematch is whether Harrison will be able to use a similar strategy to remain champion or will Charlo be able to impose his will on Harrison and regain the title.
 
The 29-year-old Harrison (28-2, 21 KOs) entered the first match against Charlo having come up short in his previous world title attempt. He lost to Jarrett Hurd in a bid for the IBF title in 2017. Harrison, a protégé of the late Emanuel Steward and a native of Detroit, bounced back with three strong performances, including a decision victory over former world champion Ishe Smith.
 
“The delay just made me even hungrier heading into this fight,” said Harrison. “Watching Charlo the night we were supposed to go shine, and rejuvenate himself, it built up so much hunger in me. I’m tired of the talk and the noise. I’m ready to go.
 
“We’re looking to work smarter this time,” added Harrison. “I think everything I did before worked, but we want to make it even more decisive. The plan is to be more technically sound overall. You may see an early knockout. It’s tense between both parties. I’m pretty sure he wants to knock me out as much as I want to knock him out. Whoever has the best plan will win. But I’m by far the better athlete. Athlete for athlete it’s not even close. I’ll beat him in everything, running, basketball, football. My style is perfect for his style. He’s Shane Mosley to my Vernon Forrest. I’ll beat him every time I face him.”
 
It was an emotional night for Charlo (32-1, 16 KOs) the first time he fought Harrison. He and his twin brother, Jermall, the WBC Middleweight World Champion, were defending their titles on a FOX PBC Fight Night doubleheader at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Jermell and many ringside observers thought he had done enough to beat Harrison, but the judges saw it differently, handing Harrison a unanimous decision victory and setting up a hotly contested rematch.
 
A 29-year-old native of Houston, Texas, Charlo, won the title with a knockout victory over John Jackson in 2016. He went on to establish himself as one of the best young finishers in the sport with devastating stoppage victories over Charles Hatley and Erickson Lubin in defense of the title. He scored a majority decision over former world champion Austin Trout before taking on Harrison and most recently scored a knockout victory over Jorge Cota on FOX in June.
 
“I still feel strongly that I won that first fight and I’m going to do things in a more dominant fashion this time,” said Charlo. “I’m coming in to this fight being the overpowering, strong, ferocious Jermell Charlo. Tony Harrison is not on my level. It’s my job on December 21 to prove that and to prove my worth. I’m coming in there mentally focused. When I fought Jorge Cota, that’s a prelim of what’s to be expected from me in the future.
 
“I want to look for the knockout and set it up,” continued Charlo. “I don’t want it to go the judges. That’s my worst nightmare. If it does go 12 rounds, he’s going to be very injured at the end. The loss taught me how to be more patient and to take things step-by-step. I’m going to show everyone why Jermell Charlo is a threat to the whole 154-pound division. I personally feel I’m the best in the division. I’m an upgraded Jermell Charlo that you’ll see on December 21.”
 
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Boxing’s Best Kept Secret Undefeated WBC Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 5, 2019) – Undefeated World Boxing Youth World lightweight champion Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz (12-0, 6 KOs) is, perhaps, the best prospect in the world who most boxing fans don’t know.
 
A large part of the problem, however, is that the 23-year-old Ortiz, born and raised in the fighting city of Worcester, MA, never aspired to be a professional boxer, despite having a decorated amateur career.
 
He started boxing when he was six years old, thanks to National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame trainer Carlos Garcia, who has run the boxing program at the Worcester Boys & Girls Club for nearly 40 years.
 
The naturally gifted Ortiz compiled an outstanding 100-14 amateur record, highlighted by a silver medal at the 2015 National Golden Gloves Tournament, in which he lost in the championship final to future professional world champion Joselito Lopez, plus back-to-back gold medal performances at the New England Tournament of Champions in 2015 & 2016.  
 
Testimony to Ortiz’ promising potential was his final amateur match, which was a solid victory against Abraham “Super” Nova, who is 17-0 (13 KOs) as a professional, as well as the reigning North American Boxing Association champion, and rated by the World Boxing Association (WBA) as the No. 8 super featherweight in the world.  
 
“Turning pro wasn’t my end goal,” consummate boxer Ortiz said. “It really wasn’t on my mind. I focused on regional and national tournaments. I always thought I’d win an Olympic gold medal and then turn pro. I wish I had been better prepared to turn pro.
 
“People that know me didn’t even realize that I had turned pro. It took a while before I adjusted, but I never really transitioned. Others had a game plan; I didn’t have a clue, but soon realized trophies I won in the amateurs weren’t going to pay the bills. Most of my fans today are other fighters and coaches.”  
 
When his Olympic dream ended, after he lost in the semifinals of the Olympic Trials, that’s when his promoter, Jimmy Burchfield (Classic Entertainment and Sports / CES), and co-adviser, Providence businessman Richard Shappy got involved in Ortiz’ pro career. They’ve invested time, money and energy, believing in Ortiz and his tremendous potential.
 
“For years,” explained Shappy, who advises Ortiz along with Eddie Imondi,” I kept telling Jimmy (Burchfield) that I was interested in getting involved with a boxer, but that it had to be the right one. One day Jimmy called to say this (Ortiz) is the one. I jumped onboard. He convinced me that Jamaine is a future world champion. We jumped in from his first fight, on the ground floor, and we believe he is going to be world champion.”
 
Burchfield has promoted the likes of five-time world champion Vinny Paz, U.S. OlympianJason EstradaRay OliveiraGary BallettoPeter Manfredo, Jr. and many others during his 25-plus years in the boxing industry. “Jamaine is the best I’ve promoted since Vinny Paz,” Burchfield claimed without hesitation. “He’s one of the best prospects in the world today and someday he’ll be world champion. Some say he has the good looks ofOscar de la Hoya; others feel his style is like that of ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard.”    
 
When his Olympic dream unceremoniously ended, he decided to turn pro in 2016, winning his pro debut when Josh Parker retired after one round. The highlight of his young pro career to date was winning an eight-round unanimous decision this past February from previously undefeated (10-0) Ricardo Quiroz to capture the vacant WBC Youth World lightweight title, the same belt once proudly worn by, ironically, the aforementioned Lopez, as well as Juan Diaz and Daniel Estrada.
 
Past CES-promoted fighters who were WBC World Youth champions include three-time world champion “Bad” Chad Dawson and Polish heavyweight Maruisz Wach.  
 
In his last fight and first WBC World Youth title defense this past August, Ortiz won a dominating eight-round unanimous decision over 8-1-1 Romain Couture, pitching a shutout by winning each round on all three judges’ scorecards.
 
Ortiz’ time to star in the ring is coming. He is a diamond in the rough; young, talented and with tremendous upside. He has a strong team behind him, including head coach Rocky Gonzalez and Garcia, who is still working his corner  
 
Ortiz’ fan-base will eventually develop and quickly grow as more and more boxing fans discover this gifted boxer as he ascends to the top of the boxing mountain.
2020 promises to be the “Year of The Technician,” Jamaine Ortiz.

Decastro Sensationally Stops Castaneda in Five in Lincoln

Report: Gianluca Di Caro

On Saturday night, at the Engine Room at Lincoln University, the local fans turned out in force to support local lad Nathan Decastro in his defence of the World Boxing Union (WBU) Super Middleweight World title he’s held since April as well as attempt to add the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Crown to his collection against late replacement Fernando Castaneda from Mexico.

Originally Decastro was due to face Nicaraguan Jose Varela, however on Wednesday Varela, who was in Spain at the time, was refused an exit visa by the Spanish Authorities when he arrived at Barcelona Airport for his flight to the United Kingdom, so was unable to make the trip to Lincoln.

The fight itself was quite a messy affair, due to Castaneda’s continual holding, following Decastro landing a vicious body shot early on in the first that clearly was affecting the Mexican, as each time Decastro came forward and let rip he’d grab hold to prevent further punishment to the body.

Rounds two and three were in similar vein although to be fair there was a bit more boxing, rather than wrestling, action. Decastro worked the body of his foe whenever he got the opportunity, which wasn’t that often due to the Mexican’s tactics of hit and hold.

Round four was far more open following referee Lee Murtagh having stern words with Castaneda about the holding, so much so there were a few venomous exchanges that followed, however each time Decastro targeted the body Castaneda would still initially grab hold, so Decastro began firing exocets to the head.

Decastro clearly had enough of being frustrated by Castaneda’s tactics as the fifth stanza began, the Bardney man changed tactics slightly and began to go forward far more as well as quicker and land some serious shots in the first minute or so, Castaneda responded in kind but quite ineffectively due to his determination to protect his body from further punishment by keeping his distance.

About half way through the round Decastro backed the Mexican toward the rope and feigned a jab, causing Castaneda to raise his hands just enough to create an opening and let rip with a massive hook to the body that sent the Mexican to the canvas doubled up in pain.

Castaneda initially tried to rise, but immediately collapsed and writhed in pain, Referee Lee Murtagh immediately waived the fight off and summoned the doctor to the ring as Decastro and his team began their celebrations. Official time of stoppage one minute and thirty eight seconds of the fifth round.

Prior to Decastro-Castaneda see Sophie Varley in action against Jaime Bates for the Professional Boxing Council (PBC) International Bronze Championship.

Have to say this was a cracking fight from start to finish, the two girls fought hard for the entire two minutes of every single round. Varley landing some seriously big shots, including one in the sixth that shook Bates to the core, her legs were gone but somehow she managed to not just stay on her feet but was savvy enough to give herself a few seconds to recover her composure by hanging out a jab to keep Varley at bay.

Each round was all action and seriously close, so much so that I couldn’t split them, score wise, on a few of the rounds and each to my mind had secured a couple of rounds and have to admit I thought that the result would be a draw, I was wrong (I’m clearly not Judge material) as the three experienced judges scorecards read; Adrian Thorne 57-59, James Ancliff 57-58 and Graeme Beauly 56-59 all in favour of Jaime Bates.

Prior to Varley-Bates was another cracking fight between Sheffield’s debuting Zac Lane and Nicaraguan Frederick Castro.

The clash in styles was what really made this fight, Castro has a distinct forward coming all out attack style, whilst Layne’s emulates the style of Prince Naseem, and boy oh boy the youngster made this style his own, dipping and swaying out of danger before throwing stinging counters each time the Nicaraguan attacked. Saying that I should stress Layne isn’t one dimensional at all, when needed he was more than happy to go toe-to-toe, letting rip with extremely fast and powerful lefts and rights.

It was great fight to watch, close and all action throughout. After four fantastic rounds Referee Lee Murtagh scored the contest 39-37 in favour of the Debuting Zac Layne, much to the annoyance of Castro and his corner who surrounded the referee disputing the score, which I fully understand as he was the most aggressive but have to say Layne neutralised the Mexican’s attacks with ease and his countering was sensational and to my view had done more than enough to secure the victory.

Prior to Layne versus Castro was another all action thriller, the time between two unbeaten fighters Sugar Atahasan from the Turkish Republic of Cyprus against Leeds’ Jack Jones.

Atahasan dominated the first stanza utilising his reach advantage to extremely good effect. However he didn’t have it all his own way especially as the fight progressed into the second as Jones patiently worked away fashioning openings before letting rip with big shots to the body and head of Atahasan.

Atahasan stepped up a gear and really went for it in the third, and as in the first dominated proceedings. Much of the same in the fourth, well until about midway through when Jones took advantage of a defensive error by Atahasan and landing a peach of a shot that sent the Turkish Cypriot to the canvas. Atahasan barely touched down and was on his feet in an instant and on the restart went in hard and fast though to the end of the round.

After four sensational rounds Referee Lee Murtagh’s scorecard read 37-38 in favour of Jack Jones.

The fourth contest of the night pitted Orkney based Liverpudlian Paul Peers against Tanzania’s Amos Mwamakula in a four rounder.

Again what a fantastic all action war, Peers went in hard and fast and kept piling on the pressure with massive shots to body and head for the entire first round, Mwamakula is as clearly as tough as they come to withstand the intense powerful attacks from Peers.

The second was slightly less intense, as Peers elected to switch tactics slightly, slowing the pace and picking his shots. Much the same in the third, but in the fourth Peers stepped up the pace a little and as in the first targeted the seriously tough Tanzanian’s body.

After four excellent rounds of boxing Referee Lee Murtagh’s scorecard read 40-36 in favour of Paul Peers.

Prior to Peers vs Mwamakula was a heavyweight contest between Barrow-in-Furness’ Lee Kellett and Lithuania’s Tomas Vaicickas.

Again this was a full on war, with both men going full out for much of the contest. Kellet’s performance was the best I’ve seen from him in quite a while, he looked confident and really was putting so much power behind his shots.

Vaicickas is as tough as they come and happily absorbed the big shots coming his way from the Barrow man before countering style. Whilst Kellet dominated the first coupe of rounds, Vaicickas came into his own in the third after he stepped the pace up.

The fourth was all Kellet though, so much so that as the fight entered the final minute the Lithuanian appeared to give up and just stand with his back to the ropes due to the pace Kellett had set and just absorb punches at will.

After four great rounds it was to Referee Lee Murtagh’s scorecard, which unsurprisingly read 39-36 in favour of Lee Kellett.

The second fight of the night pitted the Turkish Republic of Cyprus’ Metin Turunc against Puerto Rico’s Jose F Leon.

Turunc started hard and fast, throwing massive bombs at every opportunity and literally was battering Leon, who could barely find an opening to counter with so many big shots constantly coming his way.

The Puerto Rican’s corner were so concerned that around the minute mark of the first round his corner threw in the towel in an effort to save their man further punishment, however Referee Lee Murtagh just kicked the towel out and let the fight continue, which it did but not for long as Turunc landed another huge shot to send Leon down and out on the one minute and twenty seven second mark of the first round.

Please don’t get me wrong, yes it was all one way traffic, as seems to be the norm with Turunc, I’ve seen him fight before and know just how relentless he is, Leon tried his hardest to stay in the fight but was outclassed by the seriously tough and powerful Turkish Cypriot.

The opening fight of the night really set the tone for the whole evening, as I hope I’ve made clear earlier that all bar the main event and of course Turunc vs Leon, the fights were all closely fought Battle Royale’s of the highest level, well believe me the opening bout, between debuting Lewis Mulberry and Gerona, Spain based Nicaraguan Pablo Narvaez, was another level again, it was sensational.

Mulberry really went for it right from the opening bell and boxed sensationally, Narvaez is a talent so no surprise he was up for a battle and gave as good as he got in return, however things went slightly awry for the Nicaraguan in the first when he got caught by a peach of a shot and sent to the canvas – will say I’ve seen Narvaez in action a few times and this is the first time I’ve seen him down, so kudos to young Mulberry.

Round two see Narvaez being a little more defensively minded, albeit still happy to go toe-to-toe with the big punching youngster. Round three though see a reverse in fortunes as Narvaez really started to take a foothold of the proceedings, which enabled Mulberry to showcase his defensive talents and sensational countering. The fourth was an out and out war with both men going for it for the full three minutes. After four scintillating rounds of boxing Referee Lee Murtagh scored the contest 39-37 in favour of the debuting Lewis Mulberry.

I have to make Mulberry versus Narvaez the fight of the Night, it was magnificent, and also have to say Mulberry really impressed, he’s the real deal, he has all the tools in his chest to go all the way to the top in our beloved sport, I for one can’t wait to see him in action again that’s for sure.