All posts by FNU47

RAGING BABE PRESENTS: PELTZ BOXING 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OCTOBER 4 AT 2300 ARENA

Philadelphia’s boxing community to come together
To mark “The Boy Wonder’s” 50-year milestone




PHILADELPHIA, PA–J Russell Peltz was 22 years old when he promoted his first boxing card 50 years ago at the legendary Blue Horizon.  On Oct. 4, Peltz will celebrate half a century as a boxing promoter with a card at the 2300 Arena that will reflect his reputation for promoting Philly vs. Philly, no-quarters-given bouts. 


The eight-fight card, promoted by Raging Babe, will feature junior welterweight Victor Padilla, of Berlin, NJ, by way of Vieques, Puerto Rico, in the main event.  Padilla, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, is undefeated in five fights, all by way of knockout, and is considered by Peltz and others to be a future world champion.  Peltz will serve as matchmaker for the event.


It has been nearly 20 years since Peltz received the Long and Meritorious Service award from the Boxing Writers Association of America and Philadelphia Sportswriters Association, followed in 2004 by his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. While others might have considered retirement, Peltz has gone on to promote more than 150 additional events, bringing his total number of promoted shows to nearly 1,000.  He has promoted or co-promoted more than 40 world championship fights. 


After starting his career as sports editor of the Temple News–the daily student newspaper at Temple University–and then on the sports copy desk at the Evening and Sunday Bulletin, Peltz traded in his typewriter for the roller coaster that is professional boxing.  He was dubbed “The Boy Wonder,” when he sold out the 1,346-seat Blue Horizon in his first event on Sept. 30, 1969, a night that featured a middleweight main event between Bennie Briscoe, of Philadelphia, and Tito Marshall, of Panama.  The standing-room-only crowd was 1,606.


In more recent years, he’s taken Michelle Rosado (aka Raging Babe) under his wing, mentoring her and showing her the ins and outs of the boxing business with his unique brand of tough love.  


“I can think of no one better to promote my 50th Anniversary Celebration,” said Peltz.  “I have been able to sit in the passenger seat the last couple years while Michelle drove and I’m excited to share this special event with her.


“It seems like yesterday I was sitting outside the Blue Horizon in North Philly, selling tickets out of my car for my first card after the box office closed for the day. From there to the old Arena in West Philly, then to The Spectrum in South Philly, it’s been quite a ride. Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Europe, South America, the Orient–I cannot believe it’s been half a century.”


Rosado: “It’s an honor to put on this card with and for Russell’s 50th. He has been an incredible mentor and friend, and I think I have looked forward to this celebration of his legacy even more than he has.” 


Tickets to “Peltz Boxing 50th Anniversary Celebration” are priced $50, $70 and $90. They can be purchased online at www.2300arena.com or by calling 215-758-2173 and/or 215-765-0922. Doors open at 6:30 pm and first bout is at 7:30 pm.

 

Atif Oberlton representing City of Brotherly Love all the way to the World Championships

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 22, 2019) – There’s a new rising force on the international boxing scene and his name is Atif Oberlton, a light heavyweight from Philadelphia, who is on a mission to make a name for himself in boxing.

Oberlton will be competing at the Elite Men’s World Championships, September 7-21, in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Lacking confidence is not an issue for the 21-year-old boxer who claims, “It’s very important for me to do well and win at the Worlds, because I know for a fact that, in my heart, I’m the best fighter in the world.  Also, I’m new on the international scene, so it’s time for me to give a piece of what they’ve been missing.”

Oberlton started boxing at the age of nine, although he didn’t start competing until he was 14, because he was the only boy in his family, and his father wanted him to learn how to defend himself.  Like so many of his teammates, he fell in love with boxing.

In the last five years, Oberlton has captured gold medals at the 2018 and 2016 National Golden Gloves Tournament, 2018 Eastern Elite Qualifier and 2014 National Junior Olympics. He also was a victor in the USA vs. Netherlands Dual.

“My greatest accomplishment so far is making Team USA and being where I’m at, because for years and years I was denied, and here I am today in the top spot where I belong.  I’m a top-spot fighter, so I deserve it, and I put down top-notch work, too”

Overlton has taken advantage of training in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, where he has shown improvement from day one, honing his skills to become a complete boxer.

“Conditioning plays a big part in my improvement; also seeing different styles, and getting top work has elevated me,” he spoke about training as a Team USA member.  “I always break new barriers on the road to greatness and this (The Worlds) is another one I’m looking to smash through.”  

In addition to representing his country, Oberlton is a proud Philly fighter continuing the long, rich boxing tradition in the City of Brotherly Love, which has produced the likes of Bernard HopkinsMathew Saad MuhammadBennie BriscoeJoey GiardelloMike Rossman,James ShulerEugene Hart and so many more great fighters over the years.

“My city is known for its great boxing history and I wear ‘The City of Philadelphia’ on my back,” Oberlton added.  “In a few more years down the line, I see myself leading the next wave of Philly boxers.  In fact, I feel like I am the wave, right now, as we speak.  Everyone’s watching me. I will do them all proud, from both the old and young generations.

“I haven’t been to Russia and I’m looking forward to going there.  It’s always good to see the world. I always like to go back where I’m from and try to convince others to see the world, because it’s much bigger than our neighborhood.”

Oberlton is like a chameleon in the ring, constantly changing and adjusting to his opponent.  “I consider my style like water,” he concluded.  “It’s wavy because I adjust to win, and I can beat any style.  I can outsmart anybody, fighting mind over matter.  Boxing is 80-percent mental, 20-percent physical, and I have it all.

“My short-term goal is to win gold at The Worlds and everything else leading to the Olympics. And winning no less than gold at the Olympics.  My long-term goal is to be the greatest fighter to ever walk the universe.”

Confidence is definitely not a problem for Atif Oberlton.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

Shearns Boxing Promotions presents “Friday Night Fights at The Station” Pro Boxing charity event

September 20 in Worcester, MA

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 21, 2019) – Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP) has announced it will present a professional boxing charity event, “Friday Night Fights at The Station,” September 20 at historic Union Station in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Proceeds will benefit Why Me (Worcester Help for Youth) & Sherry’s House, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to providing love and support services to families with childhood cancer.  Visit www.whyme.org to learn more about this organization.

“Help us KO cancer,” SBP president Chuck Shearns said.  “We’re excited to be working with such a great organization and lucky to be able to take part in raising money for such an amazing group and worthy cause.  The boxing card will showcase popular, up-and-coming New England-based boxers.” 

Former decorated amateur boxer Owen Minor (2-0, 2 KOs), who captured bronze medals at the 2014 U.S. Boxing National and National Golden Gloves tournaments, will headline at home in Worcester, MA, against Maine heavyweight Justin Rolfe (1-1, 1 KOs) in the four-round main event. 

The 6’ 1”, 235-pound Minor is arguably the top Massachusetts-born heavyweight prospect in the past two decades.

Framingham, MA super featherweight Julio Perez (4-4) meets Luis Rivera (4-3), of Boston, in the six-round co-featured event.

Danbury, CT super lightweight Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (7-12, 2 KOs) faces Andy Aiello(1-3-1), of Bridgewater, MA, in a six-round bout.

Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round matches, are Worcester, MA heavyweightJake Paradise (1-2, 1 KO) vs. Joseph Raposo (0-1), of Woburn, MA; Worcester super welterweight Eslih Owusu (1-0) vs. Leonardo Ladeira (0-2), of Revere, MA; Worcester, MA super featherweight Philip Davis (2-1-1) vs. Carlos Marrero III (1-3-1), of Bridgeport, CT; and Bedford, MA cruiserweight Edet Mkpanam (1-0, 1 KO) vs. pro-debuting Rogero Dionizio, of Revere. 

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Tickets prices start at $40.00 and may be purchased by going online at:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-fights-at-the-station-tickets-65569061829

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.

Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Palley Advertising and Akuity Technology.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions

Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing

Brandon Figueroa Defends Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title Against Javier Nicolas Chacon in Homecoming Fight that Headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night & on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 24 from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas

BRANDON FIGUEROA WESLACO, TEXAS MEDIA WORKOUT
QUOTES & PHOTOS

Click HERE for Photos from Christian Inoferio

WESLACO, TX. (August 20, 2019) – Unbeaten interim WBA Super Bantamweight champion Brandon Figueroa showed off his skills at a media workout Tuesday before his homecoming title defense against Argentina’s Javier Nicolas Chacon that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes this Saturday night from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.

 
The Weslaco, Texas native Figueroa will make his homecoming title defense in the main event of action that begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT as the 22-year-old looks to retain the title that he won by stopping Yonfrez Parejo in April on FOX.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Panterita Boxing, are on sale now and can be purchased through bertogdenarena.comand/or AXS.com.
 
Here is what Figueroa had to say Tuesday from Panterita Boxing Club in Weslaco:
 
BRANDON FIGUEROA
 
“A victory on Saturday in front of my hometown family and friends would be amazing. These are the people who have been supporting me and wanting to see me live for several years. Finally getting to this moment is a big honor to me.
 
“It’s different fighting at home and sleeping in my own bed during fight week. It’s a nice feeling. I’m just focused on what I have to do, and that’s train and fight.
 
“I feel incredible. My weight is coming off well. Physically and mentally I’m very ready. I can’t wait for Saturday. It’s going to be fireworks and an amazing show.
 
“It’s an honor to be the first boxer to headline at Bert Ogden Arena. I’m breaking it in and making history, so I know it’s going to be a memorable moment for me.
 
“My power is really continuing to grow and I’m more explosive in the ring now. We’re always increasing the volume of punches we can throw and we’re getting stronger every day.
 
“This will be one of the most special fights of my career because I’m fighting in this arena in front of my family and supporters. It’s going to be an amazing night.
 
“I never underestimate any opponent ahead of a fight. I train hard for every fight like it’s the biggest fight of my life. We’re working on my power, my speed and my defense. I have to work on all of that to be at the world class level.
 
“I’ve been fighting grown men since I was in the amateurs. My father and brother have always instilled it in me to not fear any opposition. I’ve never said no to any fight, that’s just the way we were raised. I’m fearless.
 
“I just have to keep doing what I’m doing, which is fight. I have a lot of passion for boxing and I want to put my hometown on the map. It’s about being an inspiration for kids inside and outside of the ring.
 
“My work ethic is all about consistency. Even in my off time I’m always working out and keeping myself in shape. My conditioning is always the most important thing.”

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ABOUT FIGUEROA VS. CHACON
Figueroa vs. Chacon will see unbeaten Brandon Figueroa defending his interim WBA Super Bantamweight title against Javier Nicolas Chacon in a 12-round bout that headlines FS1 PBC Fight Night and on FOX Deportes Saturday, August 24 from Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas.
 
FS1 PBC Fight Night begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and also features rising star Stephen Fulton Jr. taking on Isaac Avelar in a 10-round super bantamweight match in the co-feature.
 
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the FOX Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FOXSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage
 and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @TGBPromotions and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

“VICIOUS” VICTOR PASILLAS TRAINING CAMP QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Undefeated Super Bantamweight Standout “Vicious” Victor Pasillas Talks Upcoming Fight This Saturday August 24, at the San Mateo Event Center in Northern California
 
Click HERE for Photos from Team Pasillas




REDWOOD CITY, CA (August 20, 2019) – Prince Ranch Boxing’s undefeated super bantamweight prospect, “Vicious” Victor Pasillas (14-0, 7 KOs) discusses his upcoming bout with veteran Ernesto Guerrero (31-28, 21KOs), a scheduled eight-round co-main event contest on a card promoted by Ambition Empire Promotions, titled “Fight Night in the Bay.” The fight will take place at the San Mateo Event Center.
 
The San Mateo Event Center is located at 2495 South Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94403. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the first bell rings at 6:00 p.m. For more information on Ambition Empire Promotions and ticket sales please visit www.ambitionempirepromtions.com.
 
Here is what Pasillas had to say about training camp, fighting at home and more.
 
On his recent training camp.
 
“This has been my first real training camp that I’ve had in a while because I’ve known about this fight date going on a couple of months now. I’ve sparred many different styles during this camp and I’m in great shape. All the hard work has been put in and I’m ready to bring an exciting fight to the fans.”

On his upcoming fight against Ernesto Guerrero.

“Guerrero is a crafty veteran with over fifty fights, so I know he has some tricks up his sleeve. Knowing that, I’m going to impose my style and game plan on him. There is nothing he can do that I haven’t seen. I’m going into this fight with complete confidence.”

On when he sees himself in a big fight.

“My plan is to take out Guerrero this Saturday and finish strong, fighting at least two more times by the end of the year. Sometime in 2020 I can see myself fighting for a belt against a top contender.

On if he’s ready for all the top contenders in the super bantamweight division.

“The contenders in this division are all guys I feel I can beat. Matter of fact, I feel I’m the best super bantamweight in the world. I just need to land a meaningful fight against someone in the top ten. There is no doubt in my mind that I can become a world champion at 122 pounds.”


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FULL CARD SET FOR BELLATOR’S DEBUT IN BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 AT WEBSTER BANK ARENA

BELLATOR 225: MITRIONE VS. KHARITONOV 2 AIRS ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK AND DAZN AT 9 P.M. ET/8 P.M. CT

LOS ANGELES – Bellator will hold the first-ever MMA event at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. on Saturday, August 24 when the always-exciting Matt Mitrione (13-6, 1 NC) once again squares off against Sergei Kharitonov (29-7, 2 NC) in a heavyweight headliner.


The remainder of the main card features four other must-see bouts, including two additional heavyweight slugfests, as former Bellator heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov (21-1) faces Javy Ayala (11-7) in the co-main event, while undefeated heavyweight prospects Tyrell Fortune (6-0) and Rudy Schaffroth (6-0, 1 NC), who both originally hail from Portland, Ore., collide in the main card opener.

 

Rounding out the five-fight card on Paramount Network – the man with the most appearances inside the Bellator Cage in history, David Rickels (21-5, 2 NC), takes on the undefeated Ukrainian Yaroslav Amosov (21-0) in a 175-pound catchweight bout, and former flyweight title contender Alejandra Lara (7-3) meetsTaylor Turner (4-5) at bantamweight, who returns after recently upsetting Heather Hardy at Madison Square Garden earlier this summer.

 

The main card can be seen live on Paramount Network and DAZN at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary action will stream on Bellator.comDAZN and globally on the Bellator Mobile App beginning at 5:45 pm EST/2:45 pm PST.

 

Tickets for Bellator 225: Mitrione vs. Kharitonov 2 are on sale now, and are available in-person at the Click It or Ticket Box Office at Webster Bank Arena, as well as online at Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

 

Earlier in the evening, Connecticut’s own “Notorious” Nick Newell (15-2) will lace up the Bellator gloves for the first time in his career and make the short drive from his home in Milford, Conn. to Webster Bank Arena, when he meets Corey Browning (5-2), a man who has already defeated “Baby Slice” and Aaron Chalmers. Also representing the “The Constitution State,” the surging Mike “The Savage” Kimbel (3-1) will be looking to impress the partisan crowd againstChris Disonell (3-3).

 

Preliminary action is highlighted by appearances from top Bellator prospects, including Royce Gracie’s eldest son Khonry Gracie (1-1), Israel’s Aviv Gozali (2-0) and the promotional debut of light heavyweight Grant “The Truth” Neal (1-0). Plus, long-time UFC and TUF veteran Sabah Homasi (12-8) returns to the Bellator Cage for the first time since Bellator 124.

 

Also on the card, unbeaten Austin “The Gentleman” Vanderford (7-0) will make his middleweight debut against Georgia’s Joseph Creer (6-0-1), New Jersey’s Ricky Bandejas (11-3) will return to action for the first time since relocating to American Top Team in Florida, when he competes at bantamweight against Virginia’s Ahmet Kayretli (8-3, 1 NC) and the always-exciting Tim Johnson (12-5) will make his sophomore Bellator appearance against recently signedAzunna Anyanwu (15-5) of Philadelphia in a heavyweight matchup.

 

Complete Bellator 225: Mitrione vs. Kharitonov 2 Fight Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Matt Mitrione (13-6, 1 NC) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (29-7, 2 NC)

Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vitaly Minakov (21-1) vs. Javy Ayala (11-7)

Bantamweight Feature Bout: Alejandra Lara (7-3) vs. Taylor Turner (4-5)

175-Pound Catchweight Feature Bout: David Rickels (21-5, 2 NC) vs. Yaroslav Amosov (21-0)

Heavyweight Feature Bout: Tyrell Fortune (6-0) vs. Rudy Schaffroth (6-0, 1 NC)

 

Preliminary Card:

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Khonry Gracie (1-1) vs. Oscar Vera (0-1)

165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Aviv Gozali (2-0) vs. Eduard Muravitskiy (9-8)
Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Grant Neal (1-0) vs. Alpha Toure (Pro Debut)

Welterweight Preliminary Bout: Sabah Homasi (12-8) vs. Micah Terrill (14-7, 1 NC)

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Austin Vanderford (7-0) vs. Joseph Creer (6-0-1)

Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Tim Johnson (12-5) vs. Azunna Anyanwu (15-5)

Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Ricky Bandejas (11-3) vs. Ahmet Kayretli (8-3, 1 NC)

140-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Mike Kimbel (3-1) vs. Chris Disonell (3-3)

Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Nick Newell (15-2) vs. Corey Browning (5-2)

165-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Kastriot Xhema (3-3, 1 NC) vs. Connor Dixon (Pro Debut)

175-Pound Catchweight Preliminary Bout: Jon Manley (11-6) vs. Thiago Rela (10-7)

 

*Card subject to change.

 

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Javier Martinez making Milwaukee proud on the way to World Championships in Russia

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 19, 2019) – Milwaukee isn’t known as one of the leading producers of world-class boxers, however, Team USA middleweight
Javier Martinez may be the rare exception.

 
“Milwaukee isn’t really a great place for boxing,” Martinez agreed, “but (coach) Izzy Acosta always had a great program that produced a lot of national champions. Hopefully, one day I can do what he’s done for my city. We do have a few good fighters coming out of my gym who are still on the rise. Look out for my boy, Luis Feliciano, a former USA National champion (the 26-year-old junior welterweight is 12-0 as a pro with eight wins by knockout).”
 
The most famous fighter to come out of Milwaukee is world kickboxing champion Rick “The Jet” Rufus. There have been a few Milwaukee boxers of note over the years, including Myron “Pinky” Mitchell, who became the first junior welterweight champion of the world in 1922, Robert “Caveman” Moha (1910-15), former national champion Tyrone “The Butterfly” Trice, and Pan American Games bronze medalist and two-time national amateur champion, LeChaunce Shepard.
 
Martinez is currently training in Colorado Springs at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center for the World Championships, September 7-21, in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
 
“It’s a good feeling and I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity,” Martinez spoke about competing at the World Championships. “I love coming to Colorado; it’s like therapy for me, keeping me away from the distractions back home. I’m very excited to be going to Russia. I’m thankful to USA Boxing for all the opportunities I’ve had, and I hope to bring back a medal from Russia.”
 
Martinez says he didn’t have a normal childhood, explaining that he looked up to the wrong people. His life changed for the better when his father introduced him to boxing and meeting Coach Acosta, who was recently honored by the USA Boxing Alumni Association for his contributions to amateur boxing as a boxer and coach for the past half-century.
 
“I don’t know what I’d be doing today (if not for boxing),” noted Martinez, who turns 24 on August 24. “I just know that boxing was my way out of the ‘hood. Coach Izzy is a very loving person, and a great person to have around. He had a very good boxing career and it’s great to have a person like that in my corner.”
 
Martinez, who is the No. 2 ranked middleweight in the U.S., captured a gold medal at the 2018 Elite National Championships and silver at the 2016 & 2017 Elite National Championships. He’s also brought home bronze from the 2013 National Junior Olympics and Feliks Stamm Tournament.
 
Self-described as an awkward southpaw who can give anybody problems, Martinez’ short-term goal is to be an Olympic gold medalist, long-term to be world champion.
 
Javier Martinez is making Milwaukee proud by punchin’ his way to the top.
 
INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
 

Gordon Ryan & Lachian Giles power BJJ Fanatics to Team title in inaugural Kinektic grappling tournament

ANAHEIM, Calif. (August 19 2019) – Former ADCC World and IBJJF Nogi World champion,Gordon “The King” Ryan, and ADCC Asia champion and Oceania gold medalist, Lachian Giles, were beasts this past Friday night in Anaheim, California, at the inaugural Kinektic submission grappling, one-night tournament, leading their team, BJJ Fanatics, to the coveted title.

UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, streamed all the action live from Anaheim Business Expo Center.

The Kinektic team formatted event featured four competing squads, each comprised of five world-class grapplers, in a tournament consisting of semifinals and a championship final.  The one-night Kinektic tournament consisted of bouts with eight-minute time limits. Losers of the semifinal matches were eliminated; as well as fighters whose matches ended in draws. Teams with five members eliminated were forced out of the competition.  

A feature unique to Kinektic Grappling is that the order in which athletes compete was not predetermined. There were thirty seconds between each bout and each team captain was responsible for strategically deciding which team member participated next. All members of each team must compete at least once. Team captains had the option to compete for their team; Craig Jones (Team BJJ Fanatics) and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle (Team Lights Out Urban Achievers) did so for their respective teams.

Kinektic is the brainchild of UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, Las Vegas entrepreneur and boxing promoter Keith Veltre, and award-winning announcer Sean Wheelock.

“We are all very happy with our first Kinektic grappling event right across the board,” Veltre said.  “Many of the best grapplers in the world put on a great show.  The fans there were really into it and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback from grappling fans all around the world who watched on UFC FIGHT PASS.  We’re already talking about our next Kinektic event.”

Joining Ryan and Giles on triumphant Team BJJ Fanatics were ADCC Trials bronze medalistNicky Rodriguez, who won one championship final match, IBJJF World Champion Edwin Najmai and world-class grappler Jones.

Giles, a native of Australia, used a heel hook to defeat four of his five opponents in the semifinals — former UFC Heavyweight Champion Rico Rodriguez, Polaris Welterweight Champion Mansher “Munch” Khera, Grapplers Quest Champion and BJJ black belt Will Weed, and former UFC welterweight Lytle — in addition to using an armbar to beat former WEC Middleweight Champion Joe “Diesel” Rigg.

In the other semifinals team competition, Team SUG, captained by UFC veteran and MMA media personality Chael Sonnen, defeated Team Lionheart, captained by UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith.  Jorge “Jorjas” Rodrigues used an armbar to defeat Pan-American gold medalist Scott Morton, ADCC US Trials gold medalist Enrico “Teen Phenom” Cocco took care of LFA veteran and BJJ black belt Gabriel “Zangrief” Barbosa Checco with a heel hook, and former UFC veteran athlete and PFL light heavyweight Ronny Markes defeated Greco-Roman Wrestling World Champion Joe “The Baddest Maon on the Planet” Warren by way of an arm-triangle, advancing SUG to the championship final.

New Jersey based Ryan, who was a late replacement for injured Jake Shields, closed the show for Team BJJ Fanatics in the championship final, displaying all his vast skills to defeat, in order:  Checco (kimura), IBJJF World Championships bronze medalist Rafael Domingos(rear-naked choke), and Guilherme “Bomba” Vasconcelos (guillotine)

Two-time NCAA, Division II All-American wrestler Raufeon “Supa” Stots and Anthony “El Toro” Birchak grappled to a hard-fought draw in the SuperFight.  The two grapplers fought during the 8-minute regulation period as well as a 3-minute overtime

Official results below (individual winners e listed in capital letters:

SEMIFINALS

Team BJJ Fanatics vs. Team Lights Out Urban Achievers

LACHIAN GILES (BJJ Fanatics) heel hook (2:18) Mansher Khera (Light Out Urban Achievers)

(Khera eliminated)

LACHAIN GILES heel hook (5:27) Will Weed (Light Out Urban Achievers)

(Weed eliminated)

LACHIAN GILES armbar (3:40) Joe Riggs ((Lights Out Urban Achievers)

(Riggs eliminated)

LACHAIN GILES heel hook Chris Lytle (Light Out Urban Achievers)

(Lytle eliminated)

LACHIAN GILES heel hook Rico Rodriguez (Lights Out Urban Achievers)

(Rodriguez eliminated)

Team BJJ Fanatics advanced to championship final, Team Lights Out Urban Achievers

Team SUG vs. Team Lionheart

Brian Sparrow (Lionheart) Draw (8:00) Guilherme Vasconcelos (SUG)

(Sparrow and Vasconcelos eliminated)

JORGE RODRIGUEZ (SUG) armbar (5:36) Scott Morton (Lionheart)

(Morton eliminated)

Jorge Rodrigues (SUG) Draw (8:00) James Brasco (Lionheart)

(Rodrigues and Brasco eliminated)

ENRICO COCCO (Lionheart) heel hook (5:13) Rafael Domingos

(Domingos eliminated)

Enrico Cocco Draw (8:00) Gabriel Barbosa Checco

(Cocco and Checco eliminated)

RONNY MARKES (SUG) arm triangle (3:25) Joseph Warren (Lionheart)

Team SUG advanced to championship final, Team Lionheart eliminated)

CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

NICKY RODRIGUEZ (BJJ Fanatics) heel hook (7:23) Jorge Rodrigues SUG)

(Rodrigues eliminated)

Nicky Rodriguez (BJJ Fanatics) Draw (8:00) Ronny Markes (SUG)

(Rodriguez and Markes eliminated)

GORDON RYAN (BJJ Fanatics) kimura (1:25) Gabriel Barbosa Checco (SUG)

(Barbosa eliminated)

GORDON RYAN (BJJ Fanatics) rear-naked choke (5:48) Rafael Domingos (SUG)

(Domingos eliminated)

GORDON RYAN (BJJ Fanatics) guillotine (1:27) Guilherme Vasconcelos (SUG)

(Vasconcelos eliminated)

BJJ FANATICS WON TEAM TITLE

SUPER FIGHT

Raufeon Stots Draw (11:00) Antony Birchak

INFORMATION:

Twitter: @Kinektic1, @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @SeanWheelock, @Keith_Veltre, @ChaelSonnen, @LionheartASmith, @Crslytle

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Facebook: @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @SeanWheelock, @KeithVeltre

Former World Boxing Champion Ishe Smith on Sept 22 Valor Bare Knuckle PPV


VALOR BARE KNUCKLE INC. (VBK™) SIGNS WITH INTEGRATED SPORTS MEDIA FOR DISTRIBUTION OF VBK LIVE FIGHTS AND ANCILLARY PROGRAMMING
 
 
 
 
Cheyenne, Wyoming, August 8, 2019 – Ken Shamrock, the World’s Most Dangerous Man and co-founder of Valor Bare Knuckle Inc. (VBK™), today announced he has signed with Integrated Sports Media (ISM), one of the leading distributors of combat sports programming in North America, to present VBK ancillary programs and live fights.  
 
 
 
Shamrock also announced VBK: 1, Valor Bare Knuckle’s inaugural event taking place from New Town, North Dakota at 4 Bears Casino and Lodge will feature a one-night heavyweight tournament between three UFC Vets: Jack May, Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou and Mark Godbeer and legend of the kickboxing ring “Mighty Mo.” Also, former world champion boxer Ishe Smith will make his bare-knuckle debut on the Sept. 21 card.
 
 
 
“We are pleased that every major cable, digital and satellite provider is being so responsive to the Valor Bare Knuckle brand of fighting,” said Shamrock. “Doug Jacobs and Integrated Sports Media did a phenomenal job securing OTT and traditional pay-per-view platforms for our events. No doubt, September 21 will be an intriguing night that delivers an unprecedented combat sports experience for fight fans everywhere. Valor Bare Knuckle is here, and it’s here to stay.”    
 
 
 
“Integrated Sports Media is thrilled to be distributing the inaugural Valor Bare Knuckle event to the pay-per-view audiences in the United States and Canada,” said Doug Jacobs, Owner, Integrated Sports Media. “It is an honor to represent Ken Shamrock, who is not only a combat sports and wrestling legend, but also has fought with and without gloves in the ring and the cage. We are excited about this promotion and its future as a regulated professional sport throughout North America.”
 
 
 
Valor Bare Knuckle’s inaugural event, VBK: 1 will be available live via on pay-per-view at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT on iNDEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH, VUBIQUITY in the United States, as well as Bell TV, Shaw Communications, Rogers and SaskTel in Canada, and the FITE.TV digital platform for a suggested retail price of $29.95. (taxes and fees may apply).
 
 
 
VBK: 1 will take place live from the New Events Center of 4 Bears Casino & Lodge in New Town, North Dakota on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019.
 
 
 
Shamrock is a UFC® Hall of Famer and a four-time heavyweight world champion fighter and a WWE® Superstar and international wrestling legend. He is the UFC Superfight heavyweight champion, King of Pancrase champion, NWA/TNA champion, and the WWE IC champion.
 
 
 
The sport of bare-knuckle fighting is regulated in Florida, Mississippi and Wyoming and is under consideration with several more states across America.

Before and After: The Incredible Rebirth of Mikey ‘Baby Face’ Faragon

The incredible rebirth of Albany, New York’s Mikey “Baby Face” Faragon (19-1, 9 KOs) is complete and he will return to action in a six-rounder tonight, Friday, August 9, at a GCP and Rapacz Boxing show at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota against Missouri’s Demetrius Wilson.


Faragon was once a super lightweight prospect touted as one of the most promising young fighters to ever come out of the Capital Region, but a severe foot injury forced him out of boxing five years ago.


During his extended recovery, which included several painful surgeries, 32-year-old Faragon fell into depression and unhealthy living and gained a great deal of weight.


With his mobility now restored, Faragon challenged himself to get back in shape and said he would fight again if he could. Pictured above, right, Faragon is back in fighting shape and, against Wilson, will be looking to gauge how much of that immense potential he still has.