All posts by FNU47

DEVIN “THE DREAM” HANEY HAS VISIONS OF BRINGING BOXING BACK TO ITS GLORY DAYS

Photo by Ed Mulholland Photographer – Matchroom Boxing USA


LAS VEGAS, NV (October 10, 2019) – Undefeated WBC interim champion, Devin “The Dream” Haney (23-0, 15 KOs), is calling out all promoters to join him and his co-promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, in their quest to bring boxing back to its glory days, where the best always fought the best.



After his stunning victory over Zaur Abdullaev (11-1, 7 KOs), where he fractured his orbital bone with a crushing overhand right, Haney became the mandatory challenger to fight pound for pound king Vasyl Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs), who holds the WBC lightweight title. Haney feels it’s important for boxing to flourish, if all elite fighters in their respective divisions fight one another.



“A lot of writers are saying I’m not ready to face Lomachenko, that’s ridiculous,” said the twenty-year old phenom Haney. “All the guys he beat, I would beat also. Let’s not forget Lomachenko lost to a man who has fourteen loses, so to say I’m not on his level is crazy talk. Loma fought for a world title in his second professional fight. He was 1-0, I’m 23-0. Who wouldn’t want to watch me and Loma fight? The answer is everyone would want to watch that fight and that’s a fact. I hate to say it, but it must be said, It’s embarrassing for Lomachenko if he keeps ducking this twenty year old, but in reality, there is no one that I can’t beat at 135 pounds!”



“Every promoter in boxing should put aside their egos and make the big fights,” continued Haney. “I know the fans will appreciate the best fighting the best and they deserve to see these big fights. Right now, boxing is so fragmented. I’m a fan of the sport and it would be a travesty if some of these big fights don’t get made.  Arum said I signed with the wrong company, but he’s not making the big fights the people want to see. He’s serving the interest of his company and I knew that mentality could hold me back from becoming one of the greats in this sport, hence me signing with Matchroom. There are many more sensational matchups that are long overdue.  It’s good business, and boxing will thrive, if the best are fighting the best.”



While networks and sanctioning bodies play key factors in making big fights, things can always get complicated. Haney feels confident that the sport will grow immensely, if his vision comes to fruition.



“Everyone would benefit if the big fights are made,” concluded Haney, who is the CEO of his own promotional company, Devin Haney Promotions. “I became a promoter early in my career because I want to bring the sport of boxing together. A formula needs to be made where all parties can be compensated, and the fans get to see great fights. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom boxing whom I co-promote with, put their fighters in tough, but they get them really paid. Now that’s something you can respect. Boxing needs to unite, and the mega fights should be made immediately.”


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About Devin Haney Promotions:
Based in California, Devin Haney Promotions (DHP) is a first-class promotional company headed by boxing phenom, Devin “The Dream” Haney. The company was founded in September of 2018. Devin Haney at 19-yrs old became the youngest active fighter/promoter in boxing history. DHP has a commitment to bring fans the most exciting shows with some of the best fighters in the world. Globally, DHP is respected as a premier promoter in boxing.

BLAIR “THE FLAIR” COBBS RETURNS TO THE RING NOVEMBER 2ND ON CANELO VS. KOVALEV CARD

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 10, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated welterweight contender,Blair “The Flair” Cobbs (12-0-1, 8 KOs), who is by promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, faces Carlos Ortiz (11-4, 11 KOs) of Torreon, Mexico, for the vacant NABF title.  The 10-round bout will take place on November 2, 2019, as part of the undercard of Canelo Alvarez versus Sergey Kovalev at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, which will air live on DAZN.
 
“It is a great opportunity and one I’m going to take full advantage of,” said Blair Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I have worked very hard and I feel that fighting on a Canelo card, and for the NABF title, is the perfect chance for me to elevate my game, as well as put on a show for my fans.”
 
Cobbs, who is also advised by Shahid Malik, made noise earlier this year by defeating 
Ferdinand “Lucky Boy” Kerobyan (12-1, 7 KOs), in Kerobyan’s hometown of Hollywood, California, and in his last bout stopped Steve “Manos de Oro” Villalobos (11-1, 1, 9 KOs) by way of a ninth-round knockout. Blair’s last three opponents had a combined record of (29-1-1, 22 KOs) making Cobbs one of the most battle-tested contenders in the welterweight division.
 
“We’re very excited with the way that Blair Cobbs has performed as a professional,” stated Greg Hannely, Cobbs manager. “He has defeated great opponents and is rising to the occasion each and every time he steps up in competition. A win in this bout will catapult him to a top-15 ranking. In addition, the exposure he will get fighting on this card will be unbelievable. Blair is a fan favorite, and everyone wants to see him fight.”
 
“I just want to put on a show and have fun like I always do,” Cobbs continued. “I am excited to show off my talent to a bigger audience.  Blair “The Flair” is coming…Whooo!”
 
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Canelo vs. Kovalev is a 12-round fight for the WBO Light Heavyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy, Main Events and Krusher Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and Brand-New Grapefruit Crush, Knockout Flavor. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN. The title clash is one of several highlights this fight season on DAZN – an entire fall featuring boxing’s biggest matchups in one of the best schedules in boxing history.
   
Tickets for Canelo vs. Kovalev are on sale and are priced at $1,754, $1,254, $854, $654, $404 and $204, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849). Tickets also will be available for purchase at www.axs.com
 
For more information, visit  www.goldenboypromotions.comwww.MainEvents.com
and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @Canelo, @Main_Events, @KrusherKovalev and @DAZN_USA. Become a fan on Facebook at 
www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing
www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarezhttps://www.facebook.com/thekrusher/
https://www.facebook.com/MainEventsBoxing and 
https://www.facebook.com/DAZNUSA/. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy, @Canelo, @Main_Events, @SergeyKrusherKovalev, and @DAZN_USA. Follow the conversation using #CaneloKovalev.
 
Photos and videos are available for download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/CaneloKovalev to a browser. Credit must be provided to Golden Boy or Main Events where applicable for any photo and/or video usage.       

Top Super Welterweight Erickson Lubin Now Set to Take On Hard-Hitting Nathaniel Gallimore In Main Event Of Premier Boxing Champions Event On Saturday October 26, Live on SHOWTIME® from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa.

Plus, Rising Heavyweight Sensation Efe Ajagba Added To The Televised Card Replacing Rau’shee Warren vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez

Terrell Gausha & Rau’shee Warren Withdraw Due to Injuries

READING, Pa. (October 10, 2019) – Top super welterweight contender Erickson “Hammer” Lubin will now face hard-hitting Nathaniel Gallimore in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, October 26, live on SHOWTIME from Santander Arena in Reading, Pa., in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. 

The all-action Gallimore replaces Terrell Gausha, who was forced to withdraw from the main event bout due to an injury to his left hand during sparring that required surgery. 

Unbeaten heavyweight sensation Efe Ajagba will enter the ring against once-beaten Jack Mulowayi in a 10-round bout that replaces the previously announced Rau’Shee Warren vs. Emmanuel Rodriguez fight. Warren had to withdraw from the contest due to a right hand injury suffered during sparring. 

The three-fight SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION begins live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and also features former lightweight world champion Robert Easter Jr. making his super lightweight debut against battle-tested veteran Adrian “El Tigre” Granados in the 10-round co-featured attraction. 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and King’s Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com or at the Santander box office (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). 

Orlando, Florida’s Lubin (21-1, 16 KOs) was one of the fastest rising contenders in boxing as he quickly raced to the top of the ladder to challenge Jermell Charlo for the WBC 154-pound championship in 2017. Following a one-punch, first-round stoppage to Charlo, the 24-year-old Lubin has rebounded with three straight stoppage victories of his own to regain his momentum toward a world championship.

In February, Lubin became the first boxer to stop former champion Ishe Smith and is coming off a TKO victory over Zaharia Attou in his last fight in June on SHOWTIME. 

“It’s unfortunate that Gausha had to pull out because I was really looking forward to that fight,” said Lubin. “Now I’m facing Nathaniel Gallimore, who is a very good fighter whose only losses are to top level guys. I’m expecting a very difficult fight, one that will be explosive for the fans, but one I know I will win.  It’s my time to show the world I’m ready to be back on top of the super welterweight division.”  

The 31-year-old Gallimore (21-3-1, 17 KOs) most recently defeated Antonio Todd by decision in August to rebound from close decision losses to unified champion Julian Williams and top-ranked contender Patrick Teixeira in 2018. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and fighting out of Evanston, Illinois, Gallimore put together a seven-fight winning streak before the Williams fight, including knockouts of contenders Justin DeLoach and Jeison Rosario. 

“I’m approaching this like any other big fight that was in the works for a long time,” said Gallimore. “I’ve been waiting for this moment in my career for a while. This is a stepping stone that can take me where I want to go. Lubin’s a pretty good boxer-puncher. He was on the rise for a moment and I knew about him coming up. It’s going to be a great fight. I’ll make any adjustment in the ring to capitalize on what I need to do to be victorious that night.” 

Nigeria’s Ajagba (11-0, 9 KOs) most recently passed the toughest test of his professional career when he defeated fellow 2016 Olympian Ali Eren Demirezen by 10-round unanimous decision in July. The 25-year-old Ajagba gained widespread notoriety in August 2018 when his opponent, Curtis Harper, walked out of the ring after touching gloves to start the first round. Ajagba won the fight without throwing a punch as Harper was disqualified.

Living in Stafford, Texas and training with Ronnie Shields, Ajagba has steadily increased his competition and added knockouts wins over Amir Mansour and Michael Wallisch this year. 

Fighting out of Antwerpen, Belgium, by way of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mulowayi (7-1-1, 3 KOs) will make his U.S. debut on October 26 in a pro career that dates back to 2015. The 32-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven pro fights before losing a narrow majority decision to Herve Bubeaux in a bout for the Belgium heavyweight title in May. He rebounded to defeat Artur Kubiak in July heading into his fight against Ajagba. 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sportswww.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions,  and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions.

ARTEM LOBOV & JASON KNIGHT TO SQUARE OFF IN REMATCH OF THEIR EPIC BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP CLASH

Lobov vs. Knight II Headlines BKFC 9 Saturday, November 16
Live on Pay-Per-View from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi – 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Tuesday, October 15!

BILOXI, MISS. (October 9, 2019) – Former UFC standout Artem Lobov and Mississippi native Jason Knight will meet in a rematch of their 2019 Fight of the Year candidate as the main event of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship(BKFC) action Saturday, November 16 live on pay-per-view from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss.

“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 will go on sale Tuesday, October 15 exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv

The first fight was one of the best fights that I’ve ever watched,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “Lobov and Knight are true gladiators. They exemplify what BKFC is all about and that’s giving the fans what they pay for. I can’t wait to see this rematch, and I think it will be even better than the first one!”
 
“I promised Jason a rematch, and now it’s time to deliver on my promise,” said Lobov. “May the best man win!”
 
“I’m super excited to be the main event at BKFC 9,” said Knight. “It means the world to me to have this opportunity again in front of my hometown crowd. They’re my fans and it’s my house. As for the outcome of this fight, one of us is going to sleep! The judges will not be needed in this fight.”
 
Lobov and Knight first squared off at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in April in the headlining event of BKFC 5. In a fight that saw both men hit the mat, Lobov won a narrow unanimous decision, separated by just a single point on two judges’ scorecards. Watch the action via the BKFC YouTube Page.
 
“I thought he was conquered many times,” said Lobov, immediately after the fight. “I dropped him three or four times. He’s a tough, tough kid. He kept coming and coming. That was a great fight.”
 
“We all know that I didn’t lose that fight,” said Knight, shortly following the loss. “We all know that I got robbed. It’s alright, I’m still going to party tonight.”
 
Lobov followed up the victory over Knight by defeating rival, and former world champion boxer, Paulie Malignaggi in the BKFC 6 main event. That blockbuster event saw unprecedented build-up to a fight that ended with Lobov defeating Malignaggi by decision. A 32-year-old fighter from Russia, Lobov made his name on season 22 of The Ultimate Fighter as part of Team McGregor, where he worked his way to the finals of the tournament before losing to Ryan Hall. He challenged Cub Swanson in a UFC main event in 2016, after picking up victories over Chris Avila and Alex White. He owns 13 professional MMA wins and has carried that experience into BKFC action. Watch Lobov discuss his favorite fighters via the BKFC YouTube Page.
 
Representing his hometown of D’lberville, Miss., Knight has a 20-6 professional MMA record since turning pro at just seventeen-years-old. He made his UFC debut in 2015 when he stepped in on just two weeks’ notice to face Tatsuya Kawajiri in The Ultimate Fighter season 22 finale, dropping a unanimous decision. Knight went on to win his next four UFC bouts between July 2016 and May 2017. A fan favorite in the Mississippi combat sports community, the extremely versatile Knight also won a custom rules grappling match in Biloxi in June.

BKFC 9 will be the company’s sixth event of 2019, following the upcoming BKFC 8 fight night on Saturday, October 19 live on pay-per-view and headlined by former UFC stars Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and Gabriel Gonzaga going toe-to-toe in heavyweight action. Knight will be in attendance at the Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa for BKFC 8 and be interviewed on the pay-per-view telecast.


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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 visit www.bareknuckle.tv or follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bareknucklefc on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/bareknucklefc/ on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCEeMsInLdrUbIkbEcNm7g-A
 and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bareknucklefc.
 

BELLATOR HEADS TO JAPAN WITH LEGENDRY CLASH BETWEEN FEDOR EMELIANENKO AND ‘RAMPAGE’ JACKSON

SAITAMA SUPER ARENA TO HOST BELLATOR JAPAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 3

 

LOS ANGELES – For the first time in the organization’s history, Bellator travels to Japan and the iconic Saitama Super Arena for an historic event, as Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 1 NC) and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13) square off in a long-awaited heavyweight showdown. Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage, powered by RIZIN, takes place Sunday, December 29 and will air LIVE on Paramount Network.

 

Tickets for Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage go on sale November 3. Additional bouts are expected to be announced in the coming days.

 

“For Bellator’s debut in Japan, we wanted to bring a massive event and fighters that the Japanese fans really connect with,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “Given the vast history of martial arts and MMA in Japan, and especially at Saitama Super Arena, this will be a very special show that no one will want to miss.This will, unquestionably, be a monumental event for Bellator and I am looking forward to the moment that Fedor and ‘Rampage’ walk out to a crowd that has known them since their careers began. I would also like to thank RIZIN for their help in making this event a possibility and we look forward to working together in the near future to showcase the best talent each organization has to offer.”

 

Fighting out of Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia, Fedor Emelianenko returns to Japan following a successful run in the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix earlier this year, where he earned consecutive first-round knockouts over Chael Sonnen and Frank Mir. A former PRIDE FC Heavyweight Champion and PRIDE 2004 Heavyweight World Grand Prix Champion, “The Last Emperor” returns to where his career started. Often referred to as “The GOAT” by fans around the world, his career resume stands as one of the most impressive in the history of the sport with victories over Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Mark Coleman and Andrei Arlovski, to name a few. With 29 career victories ending via finish, the punching power and world-class Sambo of the stoic Russian could result in yet another defining moment in his illustrious career.

 

An eight-fight veteran of Bellator, “Rampage” Jackson’s legendary career has seen him compete against some of the top names in the sport, generating a loyal army of fans along the way. The former PRIDE and UFC champion is the proud owner of many epic highlight reel slams and knockouts that he has racked up throughout his epic battles with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, “King Mo” Lawal, Kevin Randleman and, perhaps most-notably, his four-fight series with Wanderlei Silva. The Memphis, Tennessee-native has long been seen as an icon to MMA fans around the globe and has openly voiced a desire to face Fedor in front of a Japanese crowd before his career comes to an end. Now, the two legends will finally meet inside the Bellator cage on December 29 at the famed Saitama Super Arena.

 

Updated Bellator Japan: Fedor vs. Rampage Fight Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (38-6, 1 NC) vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (38-13)

 

*Card subject to change.

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

 

Loaded Reno boxing card announced Inaugural RJJ Boxing & Silver Legacy event Co-promoted with Joey Gilbert Promotions

Event streaming live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS

LAS VEGAS (October 8, 2019) – Roy Jones Boxing Promotions has announced a loaded full- card for its latest installment of RJJ Boxing on UFC FIGHT PASS®, October 25 in the great fight town of Reno, Nevada.

Co-promoted by Joey Gilbert Promotions, in association with Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW, the event will be streamed live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from inside the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy.

Four highly competitive, entertaining matches will be streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS, preceded by a pair of four-round bouts to open the show.

San Antonio’s undefeated super lightweight prospect Kendo “Tremendo” Castaneda (16-0, 7 KOs), the reigning North American Boxing Association (NABA) champion, will take on battled-tested Estonia-native Stan Martyniouk (20-2, 6 KOs), who lives in Belmont, California, in the eight-round main event.

The co-featured event will showcase Reno fan-favorite Oscar “Chapito” Vazquez (15-2, 3 KOs) against Mexican bantamweight Gilberto Mendoza (15-7-2, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout.  Vazquez has won 13 of his last 14 fights, while Mendoza is riding a four-fight win streak, winning eight of his last nine.

Undefeated Sacramento cruiserweight Blake McKernan (10-0, 2 KOs) faces New York veteran Shawn Miller (18-5, 7 KOs) in another eight-round bout on UFC FIGHT PASS. McKernan is looking for an impressive win against a former World Boxing Federation (WBF) title challenger such as Miller to build his name recognition outside of the region. 

The opening UFC FIGHT PASS bout will match Reno featherweight prospect Ricard Lucio(2-0, 2 KOs) versus Sacramento’s pro-debuting Samir McQueen in a four-rounder.

Scheduled to fight on the undercard on the non-UFC FIGHT PASS segment is Reno lightweight Peter Cortez (1-1) vs. undefeated Las Vegas lightweight Daquan Mays (3-0, 1 KO), and Reno lightweight Kenny Davis, Jr. (0-2-1) vs. Philip Schwartz (3-0-1, 2 KOs), of Stockton, CA, in a pair of four-round fights.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets are available for $25, $45 and $65 and can be purchased at the Silver Legacy Box Office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 775-325-7401 or 1-800-MUST-SEE. 

Silver Legacy Resort Casino is offering a special RJJ Boxing room rate at its hotel as well as its connected sister properties, Eldorado Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Click on the respective property links for more information.   

Doors open at 5 p.m. PT, first bout 5:45 p.m. PT, and UFC FIGHT PASS starts at 7 p.m. PT /

10 p.m. ET

INFORMATION: Websiteswww.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com www.SilverLegacy.comTwitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @UFCFightPass, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyInstagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @RoyJonesJrOfficial, @artofmusiclv, @rivalboxinggear, @JoeyPromotions, @SilverLegacyRenoFacebook: /RJJBoxing, /JoeyPromotions /SilverLegacyResortCasino 

Martina Krol & Calie Cutler Square Off in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Women’s Featherweight Semi-Final Saturday, October 19 from Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa, Fla. & Live on Pay-Per-View – Plus! Abdiel Velazquez Returns & Dat Nguyen Makes BKFC Debut

TAMPA, FLA. (October 8, 2019) – A jam-packed lineup of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) attractions will include Martina Krol and Calie Cutler going toe-to-toe in the BKFC women’s featherweight semi-final Saturday, October 19 live on pay-per-view from Florida State Fairgrounds Entertainment Hall in Tampa, Fla.
 
BKFC 8 is headlined by former UFC stars Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and Gabriel Gonzaga going toe-to-toe and 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.


 
The BKFC 8 co-main event will feature two BKFC veterans Jim Alers go up against Julian Lane in a 155-pound fight.
 
Tickets for the live event are on sale exclusively at www.bareknuckle.tv. Florida will be hosting its’ second BKFC event of 2019, after previously holding the blockbuster BKFC 6 event headlined by Paulie Malignaggi vs. Artem Lobov in June.
 
Undercard action will also feature Puerto Rico’s Abdiel Velazquez, who owns a 2-1 BKFC record having most recently defeated Travis Thompson in June, in a 135-pound battle against West Virginia’s Rick Caruso. Featherweight professional boxerDat Nguyen will make his BKFC debut in a 135-pound fight against Missouri’s Matt Murphy and a 185-pound showdown will feature Nevada’s Joey Angelo and Florida’s Walber Barrios.
 
The lineup continues with Florida native Jared Warren in a 195-pound battle against Virginia’s Brian Maxwell, Florida’s Dave Mundell taking on Ronnie Forney in a 185-pound fight and an all-Florida 195-pound bout between Reggie Penaand Lorenzo Hunt. There’s no love lost between Pena and Hunt, as seen in this recent heated interview.
 
Rounding out the night is a 118-pound women’s showdown featuring Michigan’sSheena Starr and Florida’s Delaney Owen, Nevada’s Zach Jussola in a 165-pound fight against Oklahoma’s Fred Pierce and Cuba’s Gustavo Trujillo meetingRobert Morrow for a 210-pound bout.

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MMA STAR HECTOR LOMBARD SIGNS WITH BARE KNUCKLE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP

Cuban Olympian & UFC Veteran Looks to Conquer
BKFC Light Heavyweight Division

PHILADELPHIA (October 8, 2019) – Former Olympian and UFC standoutHector Lombard has become the latest fighter to sign with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) as he looks to make his mark in the biggest and best bare knuckle fights that the sport has to offer.
 
Lombard is the first-ever Olympian to sign with BKFC, having represented Cuba in judo in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
 
“I’ve wanted to fight for this amazing organization for a while and I’m excited that it’s all come together,” said Lombard, who will compete in the 185-pound light heavyweight division. “Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is the next level of fighting and I am glad to be part of it.”
 
“Hector Lombard is one of the most devastating punchers in MMA history and we are looking for Hector to make a huge splash with BKFC,” said BKFC founder and president David Feldman. “As a fan, I cannot wait to see how Hector does in the squared circle. He’s exciting and explosive. This is an incredible signing.”
 
Lombard also holds the distinction of being the first Bellator champion to sign with BKFC. He was the inaugural Bellator middleweight champion, winning the title in 2009. Lombard went 8 – 0 in Bellator with seven finishes, including a six-second knockout of UFC veteran Jay Silva in May of 2010.
 
Lombard relinquished the Bellator middleweight championship in 2012, when he moved to the UFC. In the UFC, Lombard fought a total of 12 times, recording notable knockout wins against Rousimar Palhares and Nate Marquardt.
 
In his professional MMA career, Lombard tallied 34 wins, 22 of which have come by knockout or TKO. He is regarded as one of the hardest punching middleweights and welterweights in MMA history.
 
Lombard is from Cuba and moved to Australia after the 2000 Summer Olympics. He now lives in Florida.
 
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UNDEFEATED WELTERWEIGHT SENSATION JARON ENNIS RETUNS WITH KNOCKOUT VICTORY OVER DEMIAN FERNANDEZ SATURDAY ON SHOWTIME®

Catch An Encore Presentation Monday At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®

Click HERE To Download Fight Night Photos; Credit Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME

FLINT, MICH. – October 5, 2019 – Unbeaten welterweight Jaron Ennis scored yet another knockout in his return to national television Saturday on SHOWTIME with a third round TKO of Demian Fernandez at Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint, Mich. 

Ennis, widely considered one of the top prospects in boxing, wasted no time in his first fight under the national spotlight in nearly a year. The Philadelphia native, who had scored two highlight reel KOs in 2018 on ShoBox: The New Generation, now has 22 knockouts in 24 professional fights.

Ennis was aggressive from the opening bell, landing 43 percent of his power shots as he switched from orthodox to southpaw. Two warnings for low blows in the first minute of the fight did not stop the speedy Ennis from attacking the body.  In the third, Ennis backed Fernandez into the corner and unleashed an onslaught of unanswered power shots that forced the Argentine to take a knee. Fernandez beat the count but told referee Frank Garza that he couldn’t see and the fight was immediately ended. 

“It feels good to be back in the spotlight and get another win,” Ennis said.  “I showed a little of my skills. I wanted to show more, but my dad said go get him and get him out of there, so that’s what I did.

“I’ve been ready for a big fight for a while. I want to go to the next level. I just have to keep putting on shows like this and keep doing my thing and hopefully my title shot will come sometime next year. The big names had better start running. I would even go down to 140 to get one of them.”

After the fight, Fernandez (12-2, 5 KOs) was transported to a local hospital with a suspected orbital injury. 

In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast, undefeated American heavyweight prospect Jermaine Franklin scored two knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Pavel Sour, scored 97-91, 98-91, 98-90. 

Fighting less than an hour from his hometown of Saginaw, Mich., Franklin (20-0, 13 KOs) scored knockdowns in the sixth and 10th rounds.  The 24-year-old was making his third consecutive SHOWTIME appearance of 2019 and showed significant improvement from his prior televised bouts, particularly in his speed, mobility and power. 

“I was trying to get the knockout, I wanted it real bad, but it feels great to get the W,” said Franklin, who landed 50 percent of his power shots.  “I wasn’t looking for a knockdown the first time he went down. I was trying to be quick and catch him with a counter and I caught him. It surprised me that he went down because it wasn’t meant to be a power punch.”

“I didn’t think I finished him on the second knockdown. I wanted to, but I slowed down and got a little too relaxed instead. I should have stayed on him.”

“There are just some minor things I still need to work on, like fighting on the inside, grappling and knowing when to punch on the inside – minor things. Once I get that down, I’ll be doing well.”

Sour (11-2, 6 KOs), who was making his U.S. debut, was frustrated with his opponent. 

“I couldn’t free up my punches and I didn’t let my hands go,” Sour said.  “I was too tight in there.  I was never really hurt by Franklin’s punches. He is very strong, but I could handle it. I was trying to catch him with a strong right hand.”

The Ennis vs. Fernandez bout was elevated to main event status after the Claressa Shields vs. Ivana Habazin fight was called off following an altercation prior to Friday’s official weigh-in that resulted in an injury to Habazin’s trainer, James Ali Bashir.

Tonight’s live event was promoted by Salita Promotions.

An encore presentation of tonight’s doubleheader will air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available via the network’s On Demand platforms. 

Hall of Famer Barry Tompkins called the action alongside fellow Hall of Fame analyst Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez.  World-renowned ring announcer and Hall of Famer Jimmy Lennon Jr. rounded out the telecast.  The Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION was Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing. 

OFFICIAL BELLATOR 229: KORESHKOV VS. LARKIN FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS & PHOTOS

Complete Fight Night Photos



 Bellator 229: Koreshkov vs. Larkin Main Card

Lorenz Larkin (21-7, 1 NC) defeated Andrey Koreshkov (22-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Goiti Yamauchi (24-4) defeated Saad Awad (23-12) via submission (armbar) at 1:40 of round one

Keri Taylor Melendez (4-0) defeated Mandy Polk (6-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Tony Johnson (8-2) defeated Joe Schilling (4-6) via KO (punches) at 2:07 of round three

 

Preliminary Card

Salim Mukhidinov (7-3) defeated Adel Altamimi (8-6) via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-26, 30-27)

Anatoly Tokov (29-2) defeated Hracho Darpinyan (17-9-2) via TKO at 4:38 of round two

Derek Anderson (16-3, 1 NC) defeated Guilherme “Bomba” (10-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Joey Davis (6-0) defeated Jeff Peterson (10-8) via KO (flying knee) at 1:00 of round one

Johnny Eblen (6-0) defeated Mauricio Alonso (13-8, 1 NC) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Vladimir Tokov (5-0) defeated Brandon Hastings (6-4) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Jordan Newman (2-0) defeated Riley Miller (0-1) via TKO at 4:28 of round one

Kelvin Gentapanan (1-0) defeated Sunni Imhotep (2-0) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Jay-Jay Wilson (4-0) defeated Jorge Juarez (4-2) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:33 of round one

 

Please visit Bellator.com for more information.

  

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