All posts by FNU47

Legendary Air Force Academy boxing coach Ed Weichers coached perfect storm

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 8, 2019) – Boxing coach Ed Weichers, a charter member of the USA Boxing Alumni Association, guided the United States Air Force Academy from 1976-2014 to a record of 19 national collegiate boxing team championships.

Coach Weichers’ Fighting Falcons’ squads produced a remarkable 258 All-America boxers and 97 individual champions.  His teams never finished lower than second in the nation for 27 years and he also served as president and vice president of the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA).

Coaching sports at a military school is much different, largely because student-athletes in most cases, especially boxing, are not professional prospects.  “Our Cadets were not trained to be elite level amateurs or pros,” the now 68-year-old Weichers explained.  “In 1976, the cost to put one Cadet through four years at the Academy was $80,000 but, in 2014, the year of my retirement, that figure was $417,000. Cadets are trained to go forward and serve.  They fly, fight, win and defend freedoms that we all enjoy.  Boxing at the next level is not part of the discussion.  I got calls at the time about our boxers going to the next level, fighting in Tough Man Contests, etc.  My answer is and has always been consistent: ‘You are not trained to be a boxer in the Air Force. Do not jeopardize your pilot qualifications or commission ability with a boxing injury.’ The Air Force has an investment in them, and I urged them to go forward and serve.  I send them back to the real purpose of the boxing class/program at AFA. It teaches them how to handle press, stress, fear and anxiety.  Boxing gives them the self confidence and self esteem to make good decisions in combat under pressure.  The ability to handle these pressures and make good decisions are the difference in life and death in combat.”

Coach Weichers, of course, attributes a large share of his success to the Cadets, who are intelligent, disciplined and team oriented.   All Cadets take a mandatory core curriculum boxing course (10 lessons) their freshman year, followed by an intramural boxing program comprised of 40 squadron teams with a minimum of eight to a maximum of 16 boxers per team.  

Not only did Weichers work with this incredible feeder system, the next step was the AFA Wing Open Boxing Championships, in which Cadets voluntarily signed-up to compete in one of 12 divisions to box for the No. 1 spot, earning a roster spot on the AFA Intercollegiate boxing team that competes in regional and national tournaments.  The advancing 12 Cadets represented the entire Air Force Academy.

“Bottom line,’ Coach Weichers noted, “this formula was a perfect storm.  I must give credit to and thank two Physical Education Department heads, Col. Don Peterson and Col. Larry Fariss, and two athletic directors who were instrumental to our support and success, Col. John Clune and Col. Randy Spetman.

“I was blessed with young men who I describe as overachievers.  Cadets are tenacious.  We built on an individual sport with a team concept.  I had great assistant coaches, the best training facilities, and an environment of being surrounded by quality people in all phases.”

After he retired as head boxing coach at the Air Force Academy, Weichers led Team USA in 2014 and 2015 to five medals, including two golds, at the Pan American Games in Toronto.

“The plan was to hire Billy Walsh, who was the head coach of Team Ireland,” Weichers added. “I committed to sponsor Coach Walsh upon his arrival and make his transition smooth.  I did that and Coach Walsh and I have become good friends.  He is the correct man for the job, and he brings a great resume and reputation.  He has helped turn the program around and created a winning culture.  Team USA is back, ranked among the top 10 in the world, and that is a direct result of Coach Walsh.”

USA Boxing Alumni Association

Created to champion lifelong, mutually beneficial relationships between USA Boxing and its alumni, –boxers, officials, coaches and boxing fans — The Alumni Association connects generations of champions, inspiring and giving back to USA Boxing’s future boxing champions, in and out of the ring.

The USA Boxing Alumni Association is open to anyone who has a love for boxing and would like to stay connected with amateur boxing.  Members are granted access to a wide variety of special events hosted by the Alumni Association, including its annual USA Boxing Alumni Association Hall of Fame reception.

To join the Alumni Association, simply register at alumni@usaboxing.org for a $40.00 per year membership fee.  New members will receive a T-shirt, keychain and e-wallet.

Weichers joined the USA Boxing Alumni Association because he is a huge supporter of John Brown, former President and current Vice President of USA Boxing.

“John had the idea or concept (to form the alumni association) and I looked at the purpose and thought it would be a way to honor and recognize those who contributed over the years,” Weichers remarked.  “I hope that successful professionals from the past and present recognize those who contributed over the years.  I also hope that they remember their roots were with USA Boxing and give back.  We all had help and our start and success did not happen alone.  Be humble and grateful and give back.”

Weichers is high on Team USA, especially its overall potential in the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan, saying, “We’re solid going into 2020. The key to success, in my opinion, is head coach Billy Walsh.  He is very experienced.  His reputation and resume are top shelf.  Coach Walsh is well known and respected on the international level.  He has the ability to reach out to other countries and make positive things happen for our athletes.  He has adjusted the culture in our boxing program, identifying our strengths, and making adjustment where weak.  Coach Walsh brings leadership and credibility.  Bottom line, we have the right coach for the job in place.”

Weichers’ association with the NCBA led to his relationship with USA Boxing at various levels and capacities.  He has always felt gratified to give back to boxing, as well as an obligation to grow the sport at every level. 

“I was lucky/blessed to work in a place I refer to as Camelot,” Weichers concluded.  “It’s an athletic paradise; core values, honor code, and a mission that anyone can connect with and admire. I can say that I am a better person for my experience at the Air Force Academy.

“I love the sport of boxing, because of what it did for me, in terms of molding my life. The gratification that comes with seeing how young men and women grow and mature, as a result of their experience with boxing was very positive.

And countless Cadets are better people because they were coached by Ed Weichers.

INFORMATION:

www.usaboxing.org

Twitter: @USABoxing, @USABoxingAlumni

Instagram: @USABoxing

Facebook: /USABoxing

ABOUT USA BOXING:  The mission of USA Boxing shall be to enable United States’ athletes and coaches to achieve sustained competitive excellence, develop character, support the sport of boxing, and promote and grow Olympic style boxing in the United States.  The responsibility of USA Boxing is not only to produce Olympic gold, but also oversee and govern every aspect of amateur boxing in the United States. 

The Ultimate Natural Testosterone Booster: TestRX Passes the Test

 By: Rich Bergeron

I had the good fortune of connecting recently with some of the folks behind a fantastic natural testosterone booster called TestRX. I recently gave it a try myself, and I shared some with a couple workers on my logging crew. All of us felt the difference, and it was definitely the best natural testosterone booster I ever tried. It’s hard to believe something in a simple pill form can have such dramatically positive effects. It was so potent that I typically only took one pill at a time instead of the suggested two pills twice a day.

The one drawback I noticed was upon taking the full two-pill dose I would get some minor heart palpitations, but one pill in the morning and one at night is definitely enough for someone who isn’t really suffering from a serious testosterone deficit.

As someone familiar with all the constantly discussed issues with steroids in combat sports, I know much of the product out there claiming to provide the same benefits as TestRX typically would require a needle to administer. Such a course of “juice” would also cause serious side effects and entail accepting dangerous risks. Not the case with this product, as I even had it looked at by a professional weightlifter to make sure it was safe and legitimate. He assured me the product contained all the proper ingredients for a good, totally natural free testosterone booster.

One of my older workers not only begged to get a pill from me in the mornings before work, he also noticed when I gave him a Hydroxycut instead for a couple days. Each of my two workers who tried it noticed incredible results. Logging and firewood processing is tedious and labor-intensive work, so having any kind of edge going into a difficult work day is great for production.

Of course, as with any and all testosterone boosters, some of the most pleasantly surprising results occur under the sheets. Taking one pill in the morning helped get the work done, and one at night helped me get the “fun” done for sure. I had the most amazing rock-hard erections, and both my stamina and my energy level in the bedroom increased dramatically. These boosters have all the effectiveness of a prescription ED drug with none of the crazy side effects like blindness. My girlfriend and I enjoyed many nights of marathon lovemaking thanks to this all-natural love potion.

I would definitely recommend TestRX to anyone. Whether you’re looking for just a little more pep in your step or you are that guy who absolutely needs the boost just to function at optimal levels in his advanced age, this product can help you.  It is truly something that worked for me, and it’s something I would try again since it gave me so many positive benefits.  

Use this link or the photo link below to try TestRX today:

RAUFEON STOTS- ANTHONY BIRCHAK SUPER FIGHT ANNOUNCED FOR INAUGURAL KINEKTIC SUBMISSION GRAPPLING EVENT AUGUST 16 IN ANAHEIM, CA

Streaming Live and Exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®

LAS VEGAS (August xx, 2019) – Kinektic has announced a world-class SuperFight between Raufeon “Supa” Stots and Anthony “El Toro” Birchak will provide chief support for the inaugural Kinektic submission grappling tournament on Friday, August 16, in Anaheim, California.

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

All Kinektic team formatted events will feature four competing squads, each comprised of five world-class grapplers, in a tournament consisting of semifinals and a championship final.  A grappling Super Fight, featuring additional participants not already competing in the tournament, will be held between the final semifinals match and championship final

On Aug. 16th in Anaheim, the Stots vs. Birchak SuperFight will be contested at 155-pounds, showcasing a pair of grapplers currently competing in Legacy Fighting Alliance.

Houston-based Stots was a two-time NCAA, Division II All-American wrestler at the University of Nebraska in Kearney.  The 30-year-old Stots has a 12-1 professional mixed-martial-arts record. 

Birchak, fighting out of Tucson, Arizona, also was a Div. 2 collegiate wrestler at Pima Community College and Grand Canyon University.  He has competed in the UFC, Bellator and Rizen FF, compiling a 15-6 MMA record.

Co-founded by UFC® Hall of Famer Urijah Faber, Las Vegas entrepreneur Keith Veltre, and award-winning combat sports announcer Sean Wheelock, Kinektic is a unique, tournament-style promotion that will feature athletes from various combat sports disciplines, including mixed martial arts, grappling, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and more.  

“August 16th promises to deliver an exciting, action-packed night,” Veltre said.  “Delivering some of the biggest names in the sport will no doubt make an impression with fans.”

The captains of the four star-powered teams are UFC veteran and MMA media personality Chael Sonnen (Team SUG); world-class grappler Craig Jones (Team BJJ Fanatics); UFC light heavyweight Anthony Smith (Team Lionheart); and former UFC welterweight Chris Lytle (Team Lights Out Urban Activities). Team Captains had the option to compete for their team, Jones and Lytle are competing for their respective teams.

Joining Jones on Team BJJ Fantatics are UFC athlete and former Strikeforce Welterweight World Champion Jake Shields, ADCC Trials bronze medalist Nicky Rodriguez, IBJJF World Champion Edwin Najmi, and ADCC Asia and Oceania gold medalist Lachlan Giles.

Veteran UFC athlete and former WEC Middleweight Champion Joe Riggs, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Rico Rodriguez, Polaris Welterweight Champion Mansher Khera, and Grapplers Quest Champion and BJJ black belt Will Weed join Lytle on Team Lights Out Urban Achievers.

Team SUG has veteran UFC athlete and ADCC gold medalist Vinny Magalhaes, former WSOF Featherweight Champion Alexandre Almeida, former UFC veteran athlete and PFL light heavyweight Ronny Markes, IBJJF World Championships bronze medalist Rafael Domingos, and LFA veteran and BJJ black belt Gabriel Checco.

Former Bellator Featherweight and Bantamweight Champion, and Greco-Roman Wrestling World Champion, Joe Warren, Pan-American gold medalist Scott Morton, ADCC US Trials gold medalist Enrico Cocco, IBJJF No-gi World Champion James Brasco, and Fight 2 Win Champion Brian Sparrow comprise Team Lionheart.   

Faber, who also serves as Kinektic’s Vice President of Business Development, will be the mat-side and backstage interviewer. Joining Faber will be UFC women’s flyweight Paige VanZant, who is the lead color commentator, and play-by-play announcer Wheelock. 

BJJ Fanatics vs. Lights Out Urban Achievers and Team SUG vs. Team Lionheart are the semifinals matchups with the winners meeting on the same night in the championship final.

The one-night tournament consists of bouts with eight-minute time limits. Losers of the semifinal matches are eliminated; draws result in the elimination of both athletes; and the first team with five members eliminated will be out of the competition.  The surviving team will be declared the winner. A feature unique to Kinektic 

Grappling is that the order in which athletes compete is not predetermined. There are thirty seconds between each bout and each team captain will be responsible for strategically deciding which team member will participate next. All members of each team must compete at least once.

Tickets are priced at $65.00 (VIP), $50.00 Reserved) and $30.00 (General Admission), and available to purchase by going online to: http://tickets.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1656.

For more information about the event, please visit:

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

Instagram: @UFCFightPass, @UrijahFaber, @PaigeVanZant, @Sean_Wheelock, @KeithVeltre

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

About UFC FIGHT PASS® UFC FIGHT PASS® is the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports. Since launching in 2013, FIGHT PASS is now available in more than 200 countries and territories. FIGHT PASS provides its members with unlimited access to exclusive, live UFC FIGHT PASS Prelims; live mixed martial arts and combat sports from around the world; original series and historical programming; special features, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and up-to-the minute reports on the world of combat sports. FIGHT PASS subscribers also have 24/7 access to the world’s largest fight library, featuring more than 17,000 bouts from dozens of combat sports organizations, as well as every fight in UFC history. Fight fans can access FIGHT PASS on personal computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony TVs with Android TV. For more information, please visit https://www.ufcfightpass.com.

Undefeated M-1 Challenge Lightweight Champion Roman Bogatov to headline M-1 Challenge 104

August 30 in Orenburg, Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (August 7, 2019) – Undefeated M-1 Challenge lightweight champion Roman Bogatov defends his title against Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout, headliningM-1 Challenge 104: Battle in the Heart of the Continent, on day, August 30, at Sports Arena Orenburgzhye in Orenburg, Russia.

WKG & M-1 Challenge 104 will be streamed live from Russia in high definition on www.M1Global.TV. Viewers will be able to watch the preliminary fights and main card by logging on to register at www.M1Global.TV. Fans may watch all the action on their computers, as well as on Android and Apple smart phones and tablets. M-1 Challenge 104 will also beavailable on www.FITE.TV.

Bogatov (8-0, M-1: 7-0), fighting out of Russia, is a grappling master who literally put to sleep three of his last four victims.  Bogatov, who has a superior ground attack, captured the coveted M-1 Challenge title last September at M-1 Challenge 97, when he won a five-round decision over Rubenilton Pereira.  In his first title defense this past January, Bogatov used an arm triangle choke to submit another Brazilian challenger, Michel Silva.

Lebout (19-9-2, M-1: 3-1) is a dangerous challenger from France, who has won three of four M-1 Global fights to date.  An all-around fighter, Lebout can adjust to his opponent, whether he needs to use his striking, grappling and tactical skills to win.

Former M-1 Challenge title challenger Andrey “Iron” Lezhnev (18-8, M-1: 6-4) brings his invaluable experience into The Rage to face popular Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu (11-2-1, 3-0-1) in the co-featured event.

Lezhnev, of Ukraine, has won eight of his last 10 fights, knocked down M-1 Challenge featherweight champion Nate Landwehr, albeit in a losing effort, in his most recent action. Abdibait Uulu, the pride of Kyrgyzstan, has defeated three tough opponents in a row to set the stage for his biggest test in Lezhnev.

Brazilian flyweight Flavio “Madruga” de Silva Santos (9-3, M-1: 0-0) makes his M-1 Global debut against Arman Ashimov (10-3-1), of Kazakhstan.   Santos is the latest in a wave of Brazilian fighters who’ve found a home in M-1 Global.

Brazilian National Champion and BJJ black belt, Jean “Panqueka” Petrick (10-3-1, M-1: 2-0) throws-down with Boris “Bora” Polejay (18-6-1, M-1: 2-1-0), of Ukraine.  The winner of this bout will likely position himself for a title shot.

Opening the main card is a bantamweight showdown between Vazha Tsiptauri, Georgian National MMA and kickboxing champion, and Russian prospect Selem Evloev.

American bantamweight “Gorgeous” George Garcia (9-3, M-1: 1-0) took his M-1 Global debut fight on short notice, yet he used his grappling acumen to defeat Yuriy Chobuka, by way of a rear naked choke, only 20-seconds into the opening round of their fight last March atM-1 Challenge 101.  The California grappler, who is riding a six-fight win streak, returns on the undercard against notorious finisher Bair Shtepin, of Russia.

Also fighting on the undercard is French featherweight Anthony “La Masse” Dizy (12-3, M-1: 1-0) vs. Russian Zalimbek Omarov (10-3-1, M-1: 7-2-1), Russian welterweight Mikhail “Bulldozer” Doroshenko (3-0, M-1: 0-0) vs. Azerbaijan Bayram Mamedov (0-1 (M-1: 0-0), and a battle between Russian strawweghts Zarina Gumerova (1-1-1, M-1: 0-0) vs. Asiya Klyutova (1-1, M-1: 1-0) in a rare female M-1 Global fight.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

INFORMATION:

www.M-1Global.com

www.mixfight.ru

Twitter & Instagram:


@M1GlobalNews

@M1Global

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/M-1-GlobalNews

Upcoming M-1 Challenge Events:

Aug. 30, 2019 – M-1 Challenge 104: Roman Bogatov vs. Mickael Lebout in Orenburg, Russia.

CES MMA Welterweight World Champion Vinicius “The Brazilian Bad Boy” De Jesus Makes First Title Defense at CES 58 Sept. 7 at the CT Convention Center in Hartford

EVENT TO STREAM LIVE AND EXCLUSIVELY ON

UFC FIGHT PASS®

 N. PROVIDENCE, RI (August 7, 2019) – CES MMA will return to Hartford, CT on Saturday, September 7th with CES 58. The event will stream live from the Connecticut Convention Center exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS®, the world’s leading digital subscription service for combat sports, beginning at 8 PM E.T. / 5 PM P.T.

Headlining this stacked card will be De Jesus vs. Lozano.  Watch as CES MMA welterweight champion Vinicius “The Brazilian Bad Boy” De Jesus makes his first title defense in the main event against challenger Chris “The Cleveland Assassin” Lozano.

Brazilian-born De Jesus, fighting out of Stamford, CT, captured the coveted CES MMA welterweight crown in his last fight (Mar. 29, 2019), when he earned a hard fought five-round unanimous decision over Jeremiah Wells. De Jesus has won three of four Bellator fights and he is riding a three-fight win streak. 

“CES MMA is extremely excited to return to Hartford, Connecticut, with a special Saturday Night Event live on UFC Fight Pass,” proudly announces Jimmy Burchfield Jr., of CES MMA. “The main event is going to be a war when ‘The Brazilian Bad Boy’ Vinicious De Jesusdefends his welterweight title against Chris ‘The Cleveland Assassin’ Lozano. This blockbuster card is guaranteed action you don’t want to miss!”

The co-feature is a heavyweight battle between Hartford’s Parker Porter and veteran Brazilian opponent, Dirlei “Mao de Pedra” Broenstrup. In his toughest test to date, Waterbury, CT lightweight Jesse James Kosakowski takes on veteran Reggie Merriweather

An intriguing match-up is Springfield, MA middleweight prospect Pat Casey challenges Andre “Rumble” Hall.  Casey has won two in a row since he suffered his only pro loss, while Hall is coming off a sensational first-round submission of Pat McCrohan at the recent CES 57.

Also being showcased is fan favorite and Norwich native, Pete “The Heat” Rogers, Jr., whosquares off against veteran “Relentless” Robbie Leroux, Meriden, CT flyweight Justin Valentin vs. TBA, Massachusetts bantamweight Harris Bonfiglio vs. Jornell Lugo, and Waterbury, lightweight Nick Giuletti vs. Cody “Lightning” Schieve,

All fights and fighters are subject to change. This is an all ages event.

Tickets for “CES MMA 57” start at $35 and are available online at cesmma.com or by calling the CES box office at 401-724-2254.

Twin River Event Center doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET with the first fight scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET.

The main card will stream live and exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS.  To start your 7-day free trial, please visit www.ufcfightpass.com

INFORMATION:

Websites:  www.cesmma.comwww.ufc.tv/page/fightpasswww.ctconventions.com

Twitter: @CESMMA, @UFCFightPass, @ctconventionCT,  

Instagram: @CESMMA, @UFCFightPass

Facebook: /CESMMA, /UFCFightPass, /CTConventions

DEVIN HANEY VS. ZAUR ABDULLAEV SEPTEMBER 13 AT THE HULU THEATER IN NYC

August 6, 2019 – Devin Haney can take a giant leap towards World title glory when he faces fellow unbeaten star Zaur Abdullaev in a final eliminator for the WBC World Lightweight title on Friday September 13 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
 
Haney (22-0 14 KOs) made an electrifying debut with Matchroom Boxing USA and DAZN in May, destroying Antonio Moran with a KO of the year contender in the seventh round of their clash in Maryland. The 20 year old fights in the Big Apple for the first time in his career and the Las Vegas native, ranked #2 with the WBC, hits Manhattan for his biggest fight yet in association with DHP Promotions and Titov Boxing.
 
Abdullaev (11-0 7 KOs) is ranked #3 with the WBC having landed the Silver Lightweight strap in just his ninth pro outing in April 2018, and the highly rated and dangerous Russian registered his 11th pro win and seventh inside the distance in February, stopping Humberto Martinez in Ekaterinburg, and now fights outside his homeland for the first time in his career.
 
The WBC crown will be in the hands of either Vasiliy Lomachenko or Luke Campbell MBE when the clash at The O2 in London on August 31, with Haney and Abdullaev keenly observing that clash from their training camps become locking horns on September 13.
 
“It always feels good when I get the official date,” said Haney. “I stay in the gym because I’m a dog and I love to fight. I want the world to see me rise to my competition. The better they are the better I am. I’m fighting an undefeated fighter at Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
 
“New York fans are some of the most loyal fans in sports and I’m looking forward to really putting on a show for them. Abdullaev likes to apply pressure and I expect nothing less on September 13. I’ve seen him fight and he’s a hungry fighter, there’s no doubt he is my toughest opponent to date. This fight is one step away from a World title fight so we both have a lot on the line. 
 
“Abdullaev doesn’t have a big name, but he’s ranked #3 for a reason, and I’m not ducking him or anyone else that stands in my way. I’m blessed to have tremendous support from DAZN and Eddie Hearn. With this partnership I have an opportunity to fight the best in the world. I encourage everyone in NYC to buy their tickets or get the DAZN App and watch my growth into the next superstar in boxing. This fight is going to be lit!”
 
“I’m delighted that the fight is happening,” said Abdullaev. “I was panicking when I saw some posts from Haney on social media that nobody wants to fight him at 135lbs, and he might have to move up in weight. I kept biting my nails and really wanted to get engaged but been told to stay patient. Allah the gracious has delivered this fight and now its reality.
 
“I am a bit disappointed that the fight won’t be at Haney’s Las Vegas back yard as it would have been great to dethrone him in front of his home crowed, but New York is a great boxing city. I’m not silly and I do understand that I’m coming as an underdog but on September 13, I’m coming to crash the hype against all odds.”
 
WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman leads a stacked undercard in a mouth-watering chief-support bout as he takes on lethal WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs) unified his WBA crown with the IBF strap of Irishman TJ Doheny in a fight of the year contender at home in Los Angeles in April, a fifth World title win on the bounce a fourth inside 14 months for the 29 year old.
 
Roman’s fifth defense of his WBA crown pits him against dangerous Uzbek talent Akhmadaliev (6-0 5 KOs) – the highly decorated amateur has looked fearsome in ending five of his six pro outings to date inside the distance, with the 25 year old’s last win coming on the same LA bill as Roman’s dust-up with Doheny. Roman vs. Akhmadaliev is brought to you in association with Thompson Boxing and World of Boxing.
 
“Anyone that knows me understands that I’m a real fighter,” said Roman. “I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me. Akhmadaliev is hungry, but so am I. It wasn’t that long ago [2017] when I challenged for the WBA title so we’re not going to give it up. I’m here to fight and defend the WBA belt once more. I have two belts [WBA and IBF], but I want more. My goal is to get all of them so by no means am I overlooking Akhmadaliev. He has that amateur pedigree, can punch with power and likes to come forward. The second you underestimate someone, that’s when bad things happen. I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.
 
“As a unified champion, I understand that I have a target on my back. That’s why I’ve been in the gym, staying sharp like I always do. There’s no time to relax and look back at what I’ve done because my work isn’t finished.”
 
“Danny is among the most committed and disciplined World champions out there,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He relishes challenges and at this point in his career, he only wants the toughest and biggest fights. Akhmadaliev is a young and dangerous opponent, but Danny has all the tools to continue his reign as the best talent in the division. We’re confident that he’ll deliver another excellent performance and retain his WBA title for the fifth time.”
 
“I am very glad that Daniel Roman took this fight,” said Akhmadaliev. “I know that we are both warriors and this will be a real war! Don’t miss this fight!”
 
“We have been waiting for this fight for some time,” said Vadim Kornilov from World of Boxing. “I believe with the will, character, and power of both of these guys, this fight will be a fight of the year candidate.”
 
There’s more World title action on the bill as record-breaking seven-weight World champion Amanda Serrano challenges WBO World Featherweight champion Heather Hardy in an all-Brooklyn affair, brought to you by DiBella Entertainment in association with Matchroom Boxing USA.
 
Serrano (36-1-1 27 KOs) conquered her seventh weight class at the Hulu Theater in title in January when the Puerto Rican destroyed Eva Voraberger inside the opening round to claim the vacant WBO Super-Flyweight title.
 
Serrano held the WBO Featherweight strap in 2016 before vacating it then her sister Cindy picked it up later that year. Hardy (22-0 4 KOs) was next in line to win the vacant title in October in a rematch against Shelley Vincent in the Hulu Theater. Hardy put boxing on hold to return to MMA in June with an outing at Bellator 222 at Madison Square Garden but returns to boxing to go head-to-head with her fellow Brooklynite.
 
“We found out in February that as a super-champion Amanda could call out any champion in any weight division and she would be the next defense — and she chose me. I didn’t get this far in the boxing game to not know how it works, they’re hyping up a big fight between her and Katie Taylor and this is the second of Amanda’s three-fight deal.
 
“It will be my first time competing as an underdog even as the current world champion but I’m excited as hell. Everyone knows I have the balls for it. I grew up with a tough mamma, trust me – nobody scares me.”
 
“I’m very excited to be back in the ring and excited to be fighting Heather Hardy,” said Serrano. “Heather is 22-0 for a reason, she always finds a way to win. We’ve sparred in the past and I’ve never had an easy day with her.
 
“So many of the other champions vacated their belts to avoid fighting me but Heather is a true world champion who will not give up her belt.
 
“We know each other well and I’m honored to fight her for her World title. It’s nothing personal, just business for two girls from Brooklyn in the ring.”
 
“On Friday, September 13, seven-division world champion Amanda ‘The Real Deal’ Serrano will attempt to wrest the WBO Featherweight title from undefeated champion Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy in what promises to be an explosive matchup,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “Neither Hardy nor Serrano have ever been in a bad fight, both Brooklynites have passionate fan bases and are tremendous ambassadors for women’s boxing. This is a must-win fight for both boxers and will steal the show.”
 
The Heavyweight landscape remains a hot one and there’s a great 50-50 clash on the card as Michael Hunter challenges Sergey Kuzmin for the WBA Intercontinental title. Hunter (17-1 12 KOs) holds the International strap with the WBA having KO’d Alexander Ustinov in Monte Carlo in November and defended that with a second round KO of Fabio Maldonado in Maryland in May. The 31 year old is rapidly rising in the rankings and can take a huge leap towards World title action with a win but faces a crunch challenge in the form of Kuzmin (15-0 11 KOs).
 
The unbeaten Russian puts the strap he won at Wembley Stadium in London in September against David Price and first saw off LaRon Mitchell and then Joey Dawejko in successful Stateside defenses. With Kuzmin ranked #5 and Hunter #8 with the WBA, the victor in New York will be knocking on the door for a title shot, raising the stakes in this pick’em match-up, in association with World of Boxing.
 
“I’m excited to be fighting Sergey,” said Hunter. “I know that this is not going to be an easy fight, but I am definitely up for the challenge and I want to show people that I am the best in the division.”
 
“I have worked very hard for this opportunity,” said Kuzmin. “I am here to win this fight and go after the World title. It doesn’t matter to me whether this fight is in the USA or in Russia, I am very confident in my victory. I know my opponent very well, he’s a good boxer, but only one of us is going to be victorious.”
 
“This is a fight between two top ten prospects, both hold regional titles,” said Vadim Kornilov of World of Boxing. “This fight will hopefully be an eliminator for the World championship mandatory.”
 
“This is a brilliant show and a big chance for Devin to take NYC by storm,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Abdullaev is a dangerous undefeated fighter but Devin is ready for all comers and wants to win this fight and then go straight into the Lomachenko vs. Campbell winner. It’s crazy to believe he is just 20 years of age – I think it’s fair to say he is the most exciting young fighter in the world right now.
 
“Roman vs. Akhmadaliev is an absolute war, Danny refused to vacate the belt and like a true champion will face a young fearless, hard hitting mandatory challenger who is taking a giant leap after just six fights.
 
“The Heavyweight division is red hot and Hunter v Kuzmin maybe one of the match ups of the year – do not blink on this one! We probably could have filled this venue with Serrano vs. Hardy alone, it’s an amazing fight for NYC with the winner set for a defining Katie Taylor fight next. Do not miss this show!”
 
“We are excited to kick off our busy fall line-up with the return of blue-chip prospect Devin Haney on DAZN,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “Matchroom has put together a stacked card for New York fight fans and those watching around the world on DAZN. We are preparing to close out our first year in boxing with a bang and it all starts September 13 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.”
 
An announcement on ticket prices and on-sale dates will be made later this week.


#   #   #

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.

CLARESSA SHIELDS vs. IVANA HABAZIN RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

Shields Fights To Become Three-Division World Champion 
In Hometown Debut From Dort Federal 
Event Center In Flint, Mich.

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION®
Live At 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale TODAY at 2 p.m. ET!


NEW YORK – August 6, 2019 – Undisputed middleweight world champion Claressa Shields’ attempt at history has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 5 live on SHOWTIME. Shields will aim to make history as the fastest fighter in boxing, male or female, to become a three-division world champion when she takes on former world champion Ivana Habazin for the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT) from Dort Federal Event Center in Flint, Mich.


The vacant WBC Women’s Diamond Super Welterweight Championship will also be on the line in Shields’ first professional fight in her hometown.
 
The homecoming fight was initially scheduled for August 17 and postponed in June after Shields suffered a minor injury to her right knee while doing roadwork.
 
Shields vs. Habazin is promoted by Salita Promotions. Tickets for the live event go on sale today/Tuesday, August 6 at 2 p.m. ET and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and at the Dort Center box office.
 
The 24-year-old Shields (9-0, 2 KOs) is a two-division titlist who became the undisputed middleweight champion with a near-shutout victory over Christina Hammer in April on SHOWTIME. In doing so, she joined Terrence Crawford, Jermain Taylor, Bernard Hopkins, Oleksandr Usyk and Cecilia Braekhus as the only fighters to have unified all four major world titles in any weight class (Katie Taylor has since joined the prestigious list).
 
Now, the Flint star seeks to make even more history in her sixth headlining appearance on SHOWTIME. With a win over Habazin, Shields would become a three-division champion in just 10 bouts, breaking the record of Vasiliy Lomachenko, who accomplished the feat in 12 fights.
 
“I’m more excited than ever. I’m 100 percent recovered, and I can’t wait to get back in the ring and fight in front of my hometown fans in Flint as undisputed champion of the world,” said Shields. “Having the opportunity to become world champion in a third weight division faster than any man or woman in boxing history will make October 5 a night I will cherish forever. It’s another big step in history, and giant step forward in lifting women’s boxing on the road to equality.”
 
Habazin (20-3, 7 KOs), of Zagreb, Croatia, is ranked No. 1 by the WBO at 154 pounds. The 29-year-old, who will be making her U.S. debut, won the IBF Welterweight Title over Sabrina Giuliani in 2014. In her next fight, Habazin dropped a unanimous decision to Braekhus in a historic unification bout where Braekhus picked up all four major world title belts. Most recently, Habazin avenged one of only three losses in her career to Eva Bajic in Zagreb.
 
“It’s an honor and a dream to fight in the U.S. on national television,” Habazin said. “A lot of fighters never get this opportunity in their careers so I know I need to make the most of it. I’ve been training for this fight since June and the postponement has only given me more time to get ready. I intend to put my best effort forward to impress the fans and show that I am for real.
 
“I am not just coming to fight for a world title, I am fighting for my life and my career. I believe I am the best and now I got the chance to prove that, and there is no better opponent for that than Claressa Shields.”
 
Shields was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic gold medals. She turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and headlined the first women’s boxing main event in premium television history in just her second professional fight in 2017. Shields became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight, and a two-division champion in her sixth professional contest. She was crowned the undisputed 160-pound champion in her ninth fight, less than three years after turning professional following the 2016 Olympics.
 
“From Christy Martin and Laila Ali to Cris Cyborg and Ronda Rousey, and now Claressa Shields, SHOWTIME has long been the pioneer in women’s combat sports,” said Gordon Hall, Executive Producer of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION.  “Without question, Claressa Shields is the face of women’s boxing and we’re excited to present yet another historic milestone in her career as she looks to capture a third division championship in record time.  This is Claressa’s sixth appearance on SHOWTIME and yet another test as she continues her personal quest to become the greatest of all time.”
 
“With the new date, this fight is going to be even more significant,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “Claressa has had time to get 100 percent healthy and in the best shape of her life as she goes down in weight to fight for another historic accomplishment. On the other hand, Ivana has used this extra time to prepare for Claressa both mentally and physically. She has remained in camp throughout the summer as she prepares to come to America to upset Claressa and fulfill what she feels is her destiny. It’s going to be two fighters at the top of their games.”
 
“October 5 will be a magnificent event for Claressa Shields, for women’s boxing, and for Claressa’s hometown city of Flint,” said Mark Taffet, manager of Claressa Shields. “Claressa continues to shine a beacon of light on the sport, making history in each and every fight and reaching levels previously unimaginable. She is a once in a lifetime athlete and young woman, and if she is victorious on October 5 she will become the fastest man or woman in boxing history to win a world title in a third weight division.”
 
Barry Tompkins will call the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION action from ringside with boxing historian Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
 
The undercard for the telecast will be announced in the coming weeks.

SELINA BARRIOS WINS BY FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT

Photos by Robert Elizando

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 5, 2019) – This past Saturday at the Alzafar Shrine in San Antonio, TX, Female lightweight contender, Selina “Aztec Queen” Barrios improved to (6-1, 3 KOs) after knocking out Nina Gallegos with a vicious body shot just 42 seconds into round one.  Supreme Boxing Promotions was the promoter. 
 
“It was beautiful to see the fans of San Antoinio come out and support our boxing event last night. I wanted to make a statement with a knockout performance, and I was blessed to deliver it.  The boxing community and fans in San Antonio are incredible. I’m hoping we can continue to bring more boxing shows to our great city.”
 
Barrios, the NABF Lightweight champion is looking to get back on world title run.
 
“My focus now is landing a big fight with any top fighter in the super featherweight or lightweight division,” Barrios continued. “My manager is working on a few things and my next fight will be announced sometime soon, hopefully against a big name.”
 
“We have plans for Selina to be in a big fight sometime in 2020,” said Kerry Dangle, Barrios’ co-manager. “I think she will be best suited if we can keep her busy, maybe one more tune up fight before we step her up again.”
 
“Selina is ready to go on a nice run.” said Colin Campbell, Barrios’ co-manager. “She really stepped up her game during training camp and it paid off.  She’ll be in a big fight very soon.” 

BKFC 7 TO STREAM LIVE & FOR FREE WORLDWIDE THROUGH FITE & ON THE BKFC YOUTUBE PAGE BEGINNING AT 9 P.M. ET/6 P.M. PT

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Returns Saturday, August 10 Live from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi

Headlined by Leonard Garcia vs. Jim Alers Showdown, plus BKFC Heavyweight Champion Arnold Adams Defending Against Chase Sherman & More!



PHILADELPHIA (August 5, 2019) – The upcoming Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) event, taking place Saturday, August 10 from the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Miss. will stream live and for free worldwide through FITE and on the BKFC YouTube page (subscribe for free access to the card) beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to showcase all of the action from the BKFC event slated for Saturday, August 10 on FITE,” said Michael Weber, FITE COO.  “FITE has had the pleasure to work with BKFC since they first launched and we’re excited to be able to participate in the growth of their brand and organization.”
 
The event is headlined by an exciting main event that pits Leonard Garcia againstJim Alers in a 155-pound attraction. The fight card will also feature BKFC heavyweight champion and Chicago native Arnold Adams defending his title against Biloxi’s own Chase Sherman and also includes a women’s featherweight tournament semifinal that will see Las Vegas native Christine Ferea battling the Dominican Republic’s Helen Peralta, while former UFC star Melvin Guillard makes his BKFC debut versus former UFC and BKFC vet Isaac Vallie-Flagg.
 
Tickets for BKFC 7 are available now at www.bareknuckle.tv. The event is being distributed and executive produced by MultiVision Media, Inc.
 
BKFC will be making their fourth appearance at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum, having delivered three action-packed events, most recently the April 6 show headlined by the memorable Artem Lobov vs. Jason Knight Fight of The Year candidate.
 

Canadian Chris Kelades new M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight champion

Decisions Alexander Pletenko in China

WKG & M-1 Challenge 103

OFFICIAL RESULTS

SHENZHEN, China (August 4, 2019) – Canadian mixed-martial arts fighter Chris Kelades became the M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight champion by taking a decision from Alexander Pletenko last night at WKG and M-1 Challenge 103 in Shenzhen, China.

M-1 Challenge “regular” flyweight champion Alexander Doskalchuk was supposed to defend his title at M-1 Challenge 103 against Kelades, however, the champ suffered an injury that forced Doskalchuk to withdraw.

Pletenko versus Kelades was a rematch of a fight back in June, 2018, in which Pletenko won a decision at M-1 Challenge 93.  Pletenko, however, came in overweight and he was ineligible to win the title.  

This true International MMA event included 20 professional fighters from 10 different countries: Russia, China, USA, Brazil, Ukraine, Canada, Azerbaijan, Sweden, Georgia and Germany.

The judges were busy all night as eight of the 10 fights went the complete distance.

In the main event, Kelades (14-4) and Pletenko (14-5) battled tooth and nail with the Canadian avenging his earlier loss with a five-round unanimous decision to his Ukrainian opponent.

Chinese fighters had won only one of four fights going into the final match of the evening, in which fan favorite Huoyixibai Chuhayifo (12-3) sent everybody home happy, knocking out Georgian bantamweight Beno Adamia (5-5) with a punch in the opening round.

Russian welterweight Maksim Grabovich (10-4) won a unanimous decision over veteran Brazilian fighter Jonas “Bonus” Boeno (38-12), Brazilian heavyweight Roggers “The Tiger” Souza (9-2) took a split decision from Zaur Gadzhibayev (7-3-1), and United State welterweight Hayden “Hulk” Hassan (9-4) won his M-1 Global debut with a unanimous decision versus Movsar Bokov (5-2), of Russia.

On the undercard, Chinese featherweight Feng “The Winged Tiger” Peng Zhao (6-2) defeated American Edward Massey (5-4) on points, but Zhao’s countrymen Maheshate andWang Zhen lost unanimous decision, respectively, to Russian lightweight Nikolay Goncharov (3-1-1) and Brazilian flyweight Kayck “Chuck” Alencar (10-1).

Swedish welterweight Andreas “Real Steel” Stahl (12-4) won a split decision over Germany’s Christian Jungwirth (6-2), while American lightweight Daniel “Agent Orange” Swain (20-9-1) locked in a guillotine choke on Xialong Wu, of China, at the 28-second mark of round one for a victory.   

Below find the official weights and more pictures:

MAIN CARD

MAIN EVENT – VACANT M-1 CHALLENGE INTERIM FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Chris Kelades (14-4, M-1: 3-1), Canada

WDEC5

Alexander Pletenko (14-5, M-1: 1-1), Ukraine

 (Kelades wins M-1 Challenge Interim flyweight title)

CO-FEATURE – BANTAMWEIGHTS

Huoyixibai Chuhayifu (12-3, M-1: 3-1), China

WKO1 (punches – 4:41)

Beno Adamia, (5-5, M-1: 0-2), Georgia

WELTERWEIGHTS

Maksim Grabovich (10-4, M-1: 7-3), Russia

WDEC3

Jonas Boeno (38-12, M-1: 0-1), Brazil

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Roggers Souza (9-2, M-1: 1-0), Brazil

WDEC3

Zaur Gadzhibayev (7-3-1, M-1: 5-2), Azerbaijan

WELTERWEIGHTS

Hayden Hassan (9-4, M-1: 1-0), USA

WDEC3

Movsar Bokov (5-2, M-1: 4-2), Russia

UNDERCARD

WELTERWEIGHTS

Andreas Stahl (12-4, M-1: 1-0), Sweden

WDEC3

Christian Jungwirth (6-2, M-1: 0-1), Germany

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Daniel Swain (20-9-1, M-1: 3-1-1), USA

WSUB1 (guillotine choke – 0:28)

Xiaolong Wu (16-9-1, M-1: 0-2), China

Nikolay Goncharov (3-1-1, M-1: 1-1), Russia

DEC3

Maheshate (2-1, M-1: 0-1), China

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Feng Peng Zhao (6-2, M-1: 1-0), China

DEC3

Edward Massey (5-4, M-1: 1-2), USA  

FLYWEIGHTS

Kayck Alencar (10-1, M-1: 2-1), Brazil

WDEC3

Wang Zhen (5-1, M-1: (0-1), China

INFORMATION:

www.M-1Global.com

www.mixfight.ru

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