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Class of 2018 inducted into New York State Boxing Hall of Fame

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NYSBHOF Class of 2018: (L-R) seated: Charley Norkus, Jr. (accepting for Charley Norkus), Melvina Lathan, Herb Goldman, Bob Goodman and Jake Rodriguez; standing: Joe Mesi, Al Cole, Ron Scott Stevens, Pete Brodsky and Joseph McAuliffe (accepting for Jack McAuliffe)
 All pictures by Peter Frutkoff
NEW YORK (May 1, 2018) — Twenty-three members of the Class of 2018 were inducted into the New York Stare Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF), this past Sunday afternoon during the seventh annual NYSBHOF induction dinner, at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

 

 

 

“Those being honored tonight are humble, honorable people,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy said. “We do this as an act of love. Many of the inductees are here today and those no longer with us are represented by family members. This is our way of saying thank you to all the inductees for what they have done for boxing in New York.”

 

 

 

Class of 2018 living boxers inducted heading into the NYSBHOF included (Long Island) WBA light heavyweight Lou “Honey Boy” Del Valle (36-6-2, 22 KOs), (Central Islip) IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Jake Rodriguez (28-8-2, 8 KOs), (Brooklyn) world lightweight title challenger Terrence Alli (52-15-2, 21 KOs), undefeated, No.; 1 heavyweight contender “Baby” Joe Mesi (Buffalo) and former world cruiserweight champion Al “Ice” Cole (Rockland County).

 

 

 

Posthumous participants inducted were NBA & NYSAC World Featherweight Champion (Manhattan) Kid “Cuban Bon Bon” Chocolate (136-10-6, 51 KOs), (New York City) 20thcentury heavyweight James J. “Gentleman Jim” Corbett (11-4-3, 5 KOs), (Williamsburg) World Lightweight Champion Jack “The Napoleon of The Prize Ring” McAuliffe, (Kingston) WBC Super Lightweight Champion Billy Costello (40-2, 23 KOs), (Beacon) NYSAC Light Heavyweight World Champion Melio Bettina (83-14-3, 36 KOs), (Brooklyn/Yonkers) world-class middleweight Ralph “Tiger” Jones (52-32-5, 13 KOs) and (Port Washington) heavyweight contender Charley “The Bayonne Bomber” Norkus (33-19, 19 KOs).

 

 

 

Living non-participants now in the NYSBHOF are (Troy) Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriter Dave Anderson, (Brooklyn) trainer/advisor Pete Brodsky, (Rockaway) boxing historian/editor Herb Goldman, (Bronx) matchmaker Bobby Goodman, (Ardsley) NYSAC chairperson/judge Melvina Lathan, and (Brooklyn) NYSAC Chairperson/matchmaker/promoter Ron Scott Stevens.

 

 

 

Posthumous non-participant inductees were (Brooklyn) ring announcer Johnnie Addie, (Brooklyn) matchmaker Johnny Bos, (Bronx) boxing publicist Murray Goodman, (New York City) boxing writer/historian Bert Randolph Sugar and (Lower East Side) radio & television announcer/journalist Sam Taub.

 

 

 

Each attending inductee (or direct descendant of) received a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

 

 

 

The 2017 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members:Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, and Neil Terens.

 

 

 

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.

 

 

 

Boxers who attended the seventh annual NSBHOF included NYSBHOF past inductees Iran Barkley, Junior Jones, Mustafa Hamsho, Bobby Cassidy, Sr., Bobby Bartels, and Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, as well as Monte Barrett, Ray Mercer, Dennis Milton, Richard Kiley, Scott Lopez, Michael Corleone, Tommy Rainone, Kevin Collins, Cletus Seldin, James Duran, Victor Paz, and Jaime Dugan. Other notable attendees from the boxing world included Mike Reno (FDNY Boxing), Darryl Peoples (IBF), international judges Steve Wesisfeld and John MacKay, and NYSBHOF inductees Tommy Gallagher and Bobby Miller, and Emmy-award winning producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr.

 

 

 

David Diamante served once again as Master of Ceremonies. Special presentations were made to the daughter of the late Steve Acunto, Donna Acunto, and Miller’s close friend, Dave Wojcicki.

 

 

 

QUOTES & PICTURES FROM THE NYSBHOF INDUCTEES

 


(L-R) – Ron McNair, Jake Rodriguez and Bob Duffy
JAKE RODRIGUEZ: “I want to thank Ring 8 for the opportunity for me to be here. I’d also like to thank my wife for always being there for me, and my trainer.”

(L-R) – Herb Goldman, Don Majeski and Bob Duffy
HERB GOLDMAN: “If I have made any contributions to boxing – I hope I have – I did by redefining record keeping and creating a new perspective on boxing history. I’m proud of that, but I didn’t do it alone.”
(L-R) – Joe Mesi, Jack Hirsch and Bob Duffy
JOE MESI: “I have so many people to thank for this honor. I’m a Buffalonian. There’s nobody more in favor of one New York, but it’s not. This is special for me because it’s the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. This solidifies me and makes me think I’m not just a local boy. There was a huge disadvantage coming from a small city, sparring wasn’t the same as in the gyms of New York City, but I had an advantage coming from Western New York. Nobody was welling out like we did in Buffalo with 10,000, then 16,00 and finally 18,000 people. They were always behind me and I share this with them because their support made me. My dream was to fight in Buffalo and to continue to fight there.
“One of the highlights of my life was fighting Monte Barrett on HBO in Madison Square Garden. He was one of the greatest fighters in the world who fought for the world title. I always wanted to get my world title shot, but I never got it. That’s okay, I was little bitter for a while, but I couldn’t be happier with my career. The best part of boxing is the brotherhood we share.

(L-R) – Randy Gordon, Ron Scott Stevens and Bob Duffy
RON SCOTT STEVENS: “I know people always say it, but this is the truth: I owe so many people who have supported me throughout my career. Boxing has always been home away from home for me and today I feel like I’m home.
“I was 30, living in Brooklyn Heights, and back driving a taxi a waiting on tables. A light went off in my head: boxing is the sport of the underdog and I’m an underdog. The next day I went to Gleason’s Gym – the center of the universe. I made my way around all the gyms in the city, meeting promoters, managers and trainers. I started making matches for promoters and then Cedric Kushner hired me from 1980-2002. In 2002, I got a call to work for the New York State Athletic Commission as its Community Co-Ordinator and Director of Boxing. Then, I was made chairman and I served two terms.   Today, I’m extremely proud to be part of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.

(L-R) – Bob Duffy, Henry Hascup, Bob Goodman and Tommy Gallagher
BOB GOODMAN: “I can’t believe this crowd. In order to do what we do, the sacrifices and support you get from your family is so important and (in Goodman’s case) was for so many years. They allowed us to do what we do. All of us love boxing!”

(L-R) – Ray Mercer, Penny Allen, Al Cole, Clay Jenkins and Bob Duffy
AL COLE: “I thought boxing was the stupidest and dumbest sport ever. Who wanted to get punched in the face? I started boxing late. I played around some and people said I was pretty good. I started boxing when I was 20, in the Army, stationed at Ft. Hood. Four years later, I was on the Olympic Team. The reason why is I had a great sparring partner, Ray Mercer. If I was going to be in the ring everyday with Ray, I was either going to get beat up, or get better.
“I remember Bob Arum giving me his business card. I didn’t know him. I only knew of three people in boxing: Don King, Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard. I didn’t follow boxing and the only reason I boxed was I would have had to sleep in the woods if I didn’t (in Army). Boxing is: hit him, before he hits me.”

(L-R) – Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Jaime Drubin and Pete Brodsky
PETE BRODSKY: “I want to thank the board. I’m going to be 70 and started in boxing when I was 18. It created a new direction in my life. I’m so proud to be in company with guys who didn’t just talk it, they loved it. If you really love this sport, you really have to learn it. Any man who stepped in the ring, plus all the roadwork, time in the gym and sacrificing what they eat, did it to be the best they can be.
“In boxing, you’re not going to win every fight, but whether a fighter wins or loses, if he gives 100-percent, he’s a winner. They work a job, run five miles day, workout at the gym, and then went home to spend time with his family. Friends and family always have your back.”

(L-R) – Darryl Peoples & Melvina Lathan
MELVINA LATHAM: “I’m speechless. It’s wonderful. Randy (former NYSAC chairperson Gordon), do you remember this story? There were only three judges and, unfortunately, one called in sick. I was sitting at ringside with no responsibilities. Randy said I had to worktonight. I said that I wasn’t licensed and couldn’t do it. Randy said, ‘Raise your right hand’, and it was on. I was thrown in there, but it was okay.
“My greatest accomplishments are my children and husband. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. And Ralph Petrillo is part of my family; he was my second in command. I also had the best officials: deputy commissioners, inspectors, judges and referees. I wouldn’t be here with without them. Bob Duffy put this whole thing together. I personally think he’s amazing. My journey continues, I am blessed.”
 
NYSBHOF
 
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
 
CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
CLASS OF 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “Macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein and Jimmy Jacobs.
CLASS OF 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug Dewitt, “The Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tiger, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan and Dan Parker.
ABOUT RING 8: Formed in 1954 by an ex-prizefighter, Jack Grebelsky, Ring 8 became the eighth subsidiary of what was then known as the National Veteran Boxers Association – hence, RING 8 – and today the organization’s motto remains: Boxers Helping Boxers.
RING 8 is fully committed to supporting less fortunate people in the boxing community who may require assistance in terms of paying rent, medical expenses, or whatever justifiable need.
Go on line to www.Ring8ny.com for more information about RING 8, the largest group of its kind in the United States with more than 350 members. Annual membership dues is only $30.00 and each member is entitled to a buffet dinner at RING 8 monthly meetings, excluding July and August. All active boxers, amateur and professional, are entitled to a complimentary RING 8 yearly membership. Guests of Ring 8 members are welcome at a cost of only $7.00 per person.
boxing

Undefeated Puerto Rican Bantamweight Manny Rodriguez Ready for Former World Champion Paul Butler This Saturday at 02 Arena

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Bantamweight contender Emmanuel “Manny” Rodriguez and his team have landed safely and ready to face former world champion Paul “Baby Faced Assassin” Butler for the vacant IBF World Championship, this Saturday, May 5, at the O2 Arena in London.

 

 

 

 

Presented by Matchroom Boxing, Rodriguez (17-0, 12 KOs), of Puerto Rico, and Butler (26-1, 14 KOs), 29, of England, will meet in a 12-round supporting bout to the all-British rematch between former World Heavyweight Champions Tony Bellew (29-2-1, 19 KOs) and David Haye (28-3, 26 KOs).

 

 

 

 

Rodriguez almost had his very promising boxing career derailed for a time by an unfortunate car accident in which he burned 66% of his body. After a long rehab, he returned, and went on a, thus far, 17-fight tear through the professional ranks.

 

 

 

The 25-year-old was the mandatory contender to face former champion Ryan Burnett, who chose to relinquish his belts. This allowed for Butler to slide into the fight for the unclaimed belt.

 

 

 

29-year-old Butler previously held the IBF belt, but before defending it, elected to drop down in weight to face then-champion Zolani Tete… and was stopped in the eighth round. He has won nine fights since.

 

 

 

“It has been a long road to this fight, but I am ready to win my first world championship,” said Rodriguez. “Paul Butler is a good fighter, but nothing can stop me. I have worked too hard to get here. It doesn’t matter that we’re in his backyard. I’ve done everything right getting ready for this and I look forward to bringing the belt back to my beloved country of Puerto Rico.”

 

 

 

Rodriguez’ co-promoter, Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing, says a star will be born Saturday night.

 

 

 

“Manny has always been a superstar in the making. I am happy he is finally getting the chance to shine in front of a large audience, worldwide. I have no doubt he will win impressively and set himself up for several big showdowns in the near future.”

 

 

 

 

 
boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Showtime, wrestling

SHOWTIME® ANNOUNCES RAW AND REVEALING DOCUMENTARY CHRONICLING SPORTSCASTER MAURO RANALLO AND HIS LIFELONG BATTLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

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BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER Premieres During Mental Health Awareness Month

On Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME

 

Photo Courtesy: SHOWTIME/Amanda Westcott

 

NEW YORK – April 30, 2018 – Prolific combat sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with mental illness are the subject of a new documentary film from SHOWTIME Sports®. BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER – named for the moniker Ranallo gave himself as a broadcast personality and DJ in the early 90’s – will premiere on SHOWTIME during Mental Health Awareness Month on Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

 

 

 

First look video: https://s.sho.com/2Ft4Mig

 

 

 

Ranallo has Bipolar Affective Disorder, a condition afflicting nearly five percent of the U.S. population according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org). As a national sportscaster for preeminent boxing, mixed martial arts and WWE events, Ranallo has long been an advocate for ending the stigma of mental illness. Now, for the first time, he exposes the true extent of his daily struggle. Through extensive behind-the-scenes video footage, candid personal interviews and detailed accounts from his loved ones and doctors, BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER takes an unflinching look at mental illness and its effects.

 

 

 

The film explores Ranallo’s career, including his work on the two biggest pay-per-view events in television history, and his relentless pursuit of a childhood dream despite seemingly insurmountable odds. Through this deeply personal portrait, Ranallo hopes that the film might inspire others to persevere in pursuing their dreams despite the challenges of a mental health condition.

 

 

 

“I have always tried to do my part to bring awareness to mental health issues,” said Ranallo. “Over the last several years, I allowed my best friend, Haris (Usanovic), to film me at my lowest points as well as at my highest. The idea is simply to show others who suffer that they are not alone and that, even when the outlook is bleak, you can overcome and achieve success. Mental illness is a life sentence—there is no cure—but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.”

 

 

 

“Through BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER, Mauro Ranallo has chosen to share not only his life’s dreams, but his nightmares as well,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for Showtime Networks Inc. “Having reached the pinnacle of his profession, Mauro bravely turns his keen observational skills inward to examine his own life-long battle. The result is a raw, poignant and ultimately inspirational film that personifies Mauro’s courage and selflessness.”

 

 

 

Ranallo is a popular fixture on today’s combat sports scenes. In a career that has spanned more than 30 years, he has called everything from “All-Star Wrestling,” a Canadian professional wrestling outfit, to historic MMA events for PRIDE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS out of Japan, to WWE SmackDown Live on USA Network, to many of the biggest boxing events in the world for SHOWTIME Sports. Ranallo was the first broadcaster to call play-by-play on boxing, kickboxing, MMA and professional wrestling events on national television.

 

 

 

Today, Ranallo is the voice of three prominent nationally televised series: SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, WWE’s weekly show NXT on WWE Network, and BELLATOR MMA on Paramount Network. Perhaps best known for his dramatic, excitable style, Ranallo is a student of the English language. He has already made a lasting mark on the industry having called the two biggest pay-per-view events in television history: Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao (May 2015, international telecast); and Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor (Aug. 2017, SHOWTIME PPV®).

 

 

 

BIPOLAR ROCK ‘N ROLLER is produced by Brian Dailey, the network’s Vice President, Sports Digital Content and Strategy, and MALKA MEDIA GROUP. Directed by first-time filmmaker Haris Usanovic, the film is executive produced by Stephen Espinoza and SHOWTIME Sports.

 

 

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One, Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Now, Sony PlayStation™ Vue, Amazon Channels and FuboTV. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

boxing

“FERIA de CAMPEONES” SANDOVAL, VAZQUEZ, AND SALAZAR WIN WBC TITLES IN AGUASCALIENTES, MX

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Photos by Cami Vazquez – Sugar Promotions


AGUASCALIENTES, MX (April 30, 2018) – This past Saturday, Sugar Promotions presented “FERIA de CAMPEONES”, an eleven bout card from Aguascalientes, Mexico. In the 12-round main event, super middleweight Bruno Sandoval (20-2-1, 16 KOs), who recently signed with Sugar Promotions, picked up a first round TKO over Devis Caceres (28-9-3, 19 KOs) capturing the WBC Latino Silver Super Middleweight title in the process. A powerful right hook landed flush on the face of Caceres, ending the bout at the 2:50 mark of the first round, as Sandoval claimed the vacant title in style.

 

 

 

 

“It means a lot to have won this fight by knockout and the fact it was for a WBC title makes it even better,” said Bruno Sandoval, who took the fight on late notice. “I am a complete fighter that can challenge anyone in my division right now! I am excited for what the future holds.”

 

 

 

 

The co-main event saw Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (14-0, 7 KOs) pick up a ten round unanimous decision win over Luis Golindano (9-1, 6 KOs). The fight was close in the beginning as the two unbeaten fighters showed that neither wanted to taste defeat, but Vasquez began to pull away with his superior boxing skill as he claimed the WBC Youth super flyweight world title. Scorecards read 97-92 twice and 96-93, all in favor of Vazquez.

 

 

 

 

“I am overjoyed to have won this title and beyond that, I am happy to have been able to do it against a tough and hungry undefeated fighter,” said Damien Vazquez. “My opponent was very talented and really brought the best out of me. I’m looking forward to my next fight as I march up the rankings.”

 

 

 

 

Maryan Salazar (8-2) picked up a unanimous decision over Joselyn Casilla Martinez (4-3-1) to capture the WBC FECOMBOX light flyweight title. Salazar dominated this bout from start to finish to claim the title. Scorecards read 98-92, 98-91, 99-91 all in favor of Salazar.

 

 

 

 

“I have always wanted to win a title and to do it in my hometown of Aguascalientes, Mexico made it even better,” said Maryan Salazar. ‘I am very excited at what the future holds. My goal is to fight for a world title by the end of the year.”

 

 

 

 

“I’m very pleased that all my fighters were victorious in Aguascalientes,” said manager Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “The plan is to keep everyone busy as they position themselves to fight for world titles in the future.”

 

 

 

 

“We had a great show for all the fans who attended.” said Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions. “Our plan is to come back in June with another great show here in Aguascalientes.”

 

 

 

 

Undercard Results:

6-Round Featherweight Bout
Edwing Davila (18-0, 11 KOs) defeated Juan Mendoza (6-3) by first round knockout.
6-Round Featherweight Bout
Issac Avelar (15-0, 9 KOs) defeated Luis Ramierz (14-6, 2 Kos) by first round knockout.
6-Round Super Lightweight Bout
Donovan Estrella (12-0, 4 KOs) defeated Jose Flores (2-1) by unanimous decision. Scorecards read 59-55 across the board.
4-Round Heavyweight Bout
Kye Brooks (3-0, 2 KOs) defeated Eduardo Vitela (2-2, 1 KO) by unanimous decision. Scorecards read 40-36 across the board.
4-Round Lightweight Bout
Sebastian Diaz (16-4-1) defeated Juan Pineda (0-1) by second round TKO.

4-Round Featherweight Bout
Brandon Jiménez (3-0, 2 KOs) defeated Luis Diaz (0-2) by unanimous decision. Scorecards read 40-36 across the board.

4-Round Super Welterweight Bout
José Luis Zúñiga (14-3-1, 5 KOs) defeated Jesus Morales (3-16) by unanimous decision. Scorecards read 39-37 across the board.

4-Round Featherweight Bout
Pedro Hernandez (8-0) defeated Anthony de Jesús (0-1) by unanimous decision. Scorecards read 40-36 twice and 39-37.
boxing

WBO light flyweight champion Tito Acosta to make 1st title defense vs. Carlos Buitrago

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La Batalla
TITO ACOSTA vs. CARLOS BUITRAGO
WBO World Light Flyweight Championship

SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018
Coliseo de Puerto Rico * Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

LIVE ON PPV – 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT
 
La Batalla, June 16
Live on PPV from Puerto Rico

(L-R) – Eduardo Cajina (Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center), WBO light flyweight world champion
Tito Acosta, and promoter Miguel Cotto

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (April 30, 2018) — Miguel Cotto Promotions hosted a press conference earlier today to announce World Boxing Organization Light Flyweight World Champion Tito Acosta will make his first title defense at home on June 16 against Nicaraguan challenger Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago in the “La Batalla” 12-round main event, airing on pay-per-view, live from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

 

La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago is presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions, which is owned and operated by the first Puerto Rican boxer to capture world titles in four different weight classes, future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto, and H2 Entertainment, in association with DIRECTV Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

Integrated Sports Media will distribute the La Batalla: Acosta vs. Buitrago card in the United States on cable, satellite and digital pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and live-streamed worldwide (excluding Puerto Rico) on the FITE.TV app and website (www.fite.tv), starting at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, for a suggested retail price of only $34.95.

 

 

 

“Tito Acosta is that fighter you can’t blink your eyes,” promoter Miguel Cotto said. “He brings excitement to every fight and power to finish in any second. This fight against Carlos Buitrago will be fireworks from the opening bell.”

 

 

 

 

Acosta (17-1, 17 KOs), fighting out of San Juan, Puerto Rico., captured the vacant WBO title last December at famed Madison Square Garden, when he knocked out his Mexican challenger, Juan Alejo (24-4-1), in the 10th round.

 

 

 

 

A standout amateur boxer with more than 180 matches, highlighted by his gold-medal performance at the Central American Games, is a past WBO Latino and World Boxing Council (WBC) light flyweight champion. His most notable victories have been against 22-5 Juan Guzman (KO1), 12-1 Japhet Uutoni (TKO12), and 28-5-3 Luis Ceja (KO2).

 

 

 

“Buitrago says that his dream is to become the world champion, to that I say, keep on dreaming,” Acosta said.  “I’m not underestimating him, but this will be my night, not his.”

 

 

 

Buitrago (30-3-1, 17 KOs), 26, is currently world rated at No. 12 by the WBO. The Managua-native will be fighting in his fifth world title fight having lost three times with one draw. In his last match this past December, he was stopped for the first time in the eighth round by undefeated International Boxing Federation (IBF) Minimumweight World Champion Hiroto Kyoguchi (8-0) in Japan.

 

 

 

In fact, all three of Buitrago’s career losses as a professional have been to world champions, including a pair to Thammanooon Niyomtrong (11-0) in 2016 and 2014, both by way of 12-round unanimous decisions in Thailand for the Interim WBA title. Buitrago also fought a 12-round split draw in 2013 to then WBO Minimum World Champion Merlito Sabillo (12-0) in Manila, Philippines.

 

 

 

“I will enter the ring in the best shape of my life with one objective in sight: to fulfill my dream of becoming the world champion and give my country a historic win,” Buitrago commented.  “The battle is on and I hope to come out victorious.”

 

 

 

Additional June 16th PPV fights will soon be announced. All fights and fighters are subject to change.

 

 

 

INFORMATION:

 

www.promocionesmiguelcotto, www.integratedsportsnet.com, www.directvpr.com, www.fite.tv

 

 

 

Twitter: @CottoPromotions, @Directvpr, @IntegratedPPV, @FiteTV

boxing

Card taking shape for Friday, May 11th at SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia

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Mykal Fox takes on Anthony Mercado in main event

 

 

 

Undefeated Heavyweights meet as Colby Madison fights Michael Coffie in co-feature

 

 

 

“The Fighting Ring Announcer” Alex Barbosa returns to action

 

 

 

Plus undefeated Romuel Cruz, Desmond Moore, Joshafat Ortiz, & Laured Stewart to see action in separate bouts

 

 

ALL EVENTS AT SUGARHOUSE CASINO

 
 
 

Philadelphia, Penn. (April 30, 2018)–Some of the area’s best prospects have been added to a terrific night of boxing for Friday night, May 11th at SugarHouse Casino.

 

 

The show is promoted by King’s Promotions.

 

 

In the previously announced main event, undefeated junior welterweight, Mykal Fox (16-0, 4 KOs) of Forrestville, Maryland will take on Anthony Mercado (11-3, 10 KOs) of Camuy, Puerto Rico in a bout scheduled for eight-rounds.

 

 

In the six-round co-feature, it will be a battle of undefeated heavyweight’s as Colby Madison (6-0-2, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland takes on Michael Coffie (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

In four-round  bouts:

 

 

“The Fighting Ring Announcer” Alex Barbosa (5-3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on Sergio Aguilar (2-7, 2 KOs) of Homestead, Florida in a super bantamweight bout.

 

 

Romuel Cruz (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia takes on an opponent to be named in a super bantamweight bout.

 

 

Jerrod Miner (1-1-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia battles Desmond Moore (1-0, 1 KO) of Allentown, PA in a bantamweight bout.

 

 

Joshafat Ortiz (3-0, 1 KO) of Reading, PA fights Raekwon Blackston (0-1) of Wilson, North Carolina in a super featherweight affair.

 

 

Laured Stewart (3-0, 2 KOs) of Sydney Australia takes on an opponent to be named in a middleweight bout.

 

 

Joel Flores (0-0-1) of Passaic, NJ squares off with Christopher Burgos (0-2) of Philadelphia in a junior lightweight bout.

 

Tickets are on sale for $100, $75, $50, and can be purchased at SugarHousecasino.com
boxing, charity

Melson honored by Jewish Sports Heritage Association

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New York, NY (April 30, 2018) – Retired professional boxer and Army Public Affairs Officer Boyd Melson was inducted to the Jewish Sports Heritage Association Sunday, April 29.

 

 

 

A 501(C)(3), the Jewish Sports Heritage Association, INC is an educational organization dedicated to educating the public about the role Jewish men and women have played in sports and showing Jewish youth that there is nothing they cannot achieve.

 

 

 

All honorees were introduced by Master of Ceremonies Barry Landers at Temple Israel in Lawrence, NY. Each honoree then give a speech and received a plaque from the Jewish Sports Heritage Association.

 

 

 

Following a solid amateur career, Melson had an 18 fight pro career and finished with a record of 15-2-1 with 4 wins by knockout. He won the WBC USNBC 154 pound title in 2015 and retired in 2016. While his pro career was definitely a success, Melson’s ultimate goal was to raise funds and awareness for multiple causes including chronic spinal cord injuries and narcotics addiction.

 

 

 

Between donating 100% of his fight purses, private donations and charity galas, Melson helped raise close to a half million dollars. Shortly after his retirement from pro boxing, Melson announced he was running for Congress in District 11, covering Staten Island and South Brooklyn. He was considered one of the top candidates and had strong support.

 

 

 

In December 2017, the selfless Melson withdrew from the congressional race, volunteering to serve our country in Iraq. In offering to get deployed, Melson assisted another Army Reserve member that received a special opportunity domestically in the Reserve that would greatly benefit her family.

 

 

 

Currently in Iraq, Melson was elated when he was notified of this special honor, which was accepted by his mother Anette, Uncle Leo and retired Coloniel Alessi.

 

 

 

“Here we are. Earning an honor that was a product of me following what my heart beats with divine love, and having to receive this honor in harms way due to me making a choice that is consistent with my heart’s values. I find myself here helping by doing my part to defeat the ugliest and most horrific form of human endeavor I have ever experienced. While doing this, I am highly aware that the people I am helping, who are extremely welcoming and friendly, might look at me through a different lens if they knew I was and am Jewish. It is an interesting paradox. This honor I am receiving is solely dedicated to my Zayda and my Bubbe (grandmother and grandfather).

 

 

 

My Zayda left his body five years ago, and my Bubbe is one of the last Holocaust survivors on this planet. My Zayda was conscripted to serve to fight the Nazis in World War Two. HE SURVIVED. He created a family after surviving that absolute evil, and brought them all here to the United States. I am because of him. I am an American Citizen, born in this great country, because of his courage and strength. I think about this daily with where I am now, and I do mean daily. My Zayda put on a military uniform to fight an evil similar to how I am doing today. His spirit was close to my soul when I made this choice. I know I am being honored for being what I completed as a Jewish professional athlete, and I thank you. Please forgive me however for placing a much greater important at this moment, as an African American, as a Jew, as a West Point Graduate, as an Army Officer, as an athlete, and as a HUMAN BEING, on the narrative I gave above. That is what is sitting on me here. I hope one day, that every individual in this part of the world who we are helping, and who may not have kind feelings towards Jews, learns that Jewish American military servicemen came here and helped them because it was right and because we swore an oath. I see it as my responsibility being Jewish, being an American, and being a soldier.”

boxing, Let’s Get It On Promotions

HEAVYWEIGHTS AND PROSPECTS ADDED TO ‘VASQUEZ VS SANDOVAL’ UNDERCARD MAY 4TH

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April 30th, RENO — The card is set for May 4th’s world-class boxing event presented by Let’s Get It On Promotions and the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.  The evening’s feature attraction matches world-ranked Oscar “El Chapito” Vasquez (15-1) against Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval (12-1) in an eight-round, super-flyweight battle. A spectacular undercard supplements the main event.

 

 

 

Undefeated heavyweight prospect and knockout machine, Frank “Freedom Fighter” Sanchez (5-0, 5 KOs), has been added to the May 4th card.  Sanchez was born and raised in Guantanamo Bay Cuba. In his native country, he competed in over two-hundred boxing matches as an amatuer.  He fled Cuba in 2016 and made his way to Las Vegas where he signed a managerial deal with retired Hall of Fame referee Richard Steele. Sanchez will be fighting veteran Lamont Capers (9-11) in a six-round battle.

 

 

 

Carson City lightweight Diego Elizondo (2-0) will be fighting the very tough Canton Miller (3-1) in a four-round match.

 

 

 

In a six-round cruiserweight bout, U.S. Army Veteran Blake “The Beast” McKernan (7-0, 5 KOs) of Sacramento will be facing Mexico’s Daniel Arambula (4-2).

 

 

 

In a classic Mexican vs. Puerto Rican fight, Santos “Titos” Vasquez (5-2-1), who is Oscar’s younger brother and an alternate for the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team, will be fighting Puerto Rico’s Bryan Aquino (11-2) in a six round junior-flyweight bout.

 

 

 

Ricardo “The Dreamer” Lucio-Galvan (2-0, 2 KO) is scheduled to fight in a four-round featherweight bout.

 

Fight card subject to change.  First bell is at 7pm.

 

 

 

Tickets are available $35, $65, $100 (taxes and fees not included) and can be purchased at the Atlantis Gift Shop, by calling Atlantis Special Events 888.551.7007 or 775.824.4467, or via ticketmaster.com. https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/1700546DF068922D#efeat4212

boxing

HUMBERTO VELAZCO IN TROUBLE WITH GOVERNMENT OF MEXICO FOR PULLING OUT OF FIGHT

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AGUASCALIENTES, MX (April 30, 2018) – Super middleweight prospect, Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 13 KOs), who is promoted by Sugar Promotions, is taking heat from the Government of Mexico for pulling out of his scheduled fight with Devis Caceres (24-8, 19 KOs), that was supposed to take place this past Saturday in Aguascalientes, MX.

 

 

 

Velazco was set to face Devis Caceres (24-8, 19 KOs) for the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title at the “Feria de Campeones” card promoted by Sugar Promotions, but pulled out at the last minute, putting the entire card in jeopardy.

 

 

 

“We have programs here in Mexico that are funded by the government of Mexico in Aguascalientes,” said Dr. Lorenzo Soboranes Maya, director of Latino public relations for Sugar Promotions in Mexico. “One of which was this weekend’s “Feria de Campeones” boxing event that took place at the Plaza de Toros San Marcos arena. After signing the contract, Velazco pulled out of the fight, leaving everyone involved scrambling for a replacement. This kind of conduct will not be tolerated, and legal action will be addressed. Velazco will be prosecuted by the full extent of the law, and he is not welcome to fight in this city ever again.”

 

 

 

“As Velazco’s promoter, I did everything on my end to get him a shot at the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight Title,” said Oscar Vazquez, CEO of Sugar Promotions. “We came to an agreement on what his purse would be, he signed the contract, and then pulled out of the fight in the final days leading up to the fight. I have Velazco under contract. If Velazco thinks he’s going to fight with another promoter, that promoter better think twice, as I have my lawyers ready to file a lawsuit with anyone trying to promote him.”

boxing, Paramount Network, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime

ERROL SPENCE JR. MAKES CHAMPIONSHIP HOMECOMING AT DALLAS COWBOYS FACILITY

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Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. To Defend Title Against Mandatory Challenger Carlos Ocampo Saturday, June 16 Live on SHOWTIME from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas in an Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions

 

 

 

Tickets on Sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT

 

 

 

FRISCO, TX (April 30, 2018) – Undefeated welterweight champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. will defend his IBF world title in a Dallas homecoming Saturday, June 16live on SHOWTIME at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco against unbeaten mandatory challenger Carlos Ocampo in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. It will be the first boxing event inside Ford Center and Spence’s first hometown fight as world champion.

 

 

 

Spence, who will attempt to make the second defense of the world title he won last May from Kell Brook, combines explosive power with sublime boxing skill. In his last four fights, Spence has begun to assert himself as the best boxer in the deep and talented 147-pound weight division. Today, Spence is rated in the top-10 on boxing’s coveted pound-for-pound list. Ocampo, who had a highly rated amateur career in Mexico, is also undefeated but will be facing his toughest challenge to date as a professional in his first world title fight.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with Man Down Promotions, go on sale Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. CT and can be purchased at www.SeatGeek.com.

 

 

 

“Errol Spence, Jr. has emerged as one of the most exciting champions in the sport today with a combination of skills that he has crafted into a fan-friendly style,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “This is an opportunity for Errol to defend his title before the fans in his hometown at Ford Center at The Star and to continue to demonstrate why he is the top man in the 147-pound division. Carlos Ocampo, a young hungry contender, will certainly bring his A-game and that will bring out the best in Errol. It promises to be an entertaining show for boxing fans.”

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME has become home to the biggest stars in boxing and Errol Spence is one of its brightest,” said Stephen Espinoza, President, Sports and Event Programming for SHOWTIME. “Spence made an emphatic statement one year ago when he traveled to Sheffield, England to wrest the title from the champion on his home turf. Now, a young and talented Carlos Ocampo has an opportunity to do the same. We are proud to team up with the Dallas Cowboys, Ford Center, TGB Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions to deliver yet another of boxing’s must-see, marquee events.”

 

 

 

“It’s known how energetic and exciting the sport of boxing is, but to be able to host IBF World Champion Errol Spence Jr. here at The Star to represent our city, and his home town, will be an unforgettable experience for all,” said Dallas Cowboys Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones.

 

 

 

Spence (23-0, 20 KOs) returned home with the welterweight title last May after defeating champion Kell Brook in Brook’s hometown of Sheffield, England. The 28-year-old southpaw from Desoto, Texas made his first defense against former two-division champion Lamont Peterson, stopping him via seventh round technical knockout on Jan. 20 in Brooklyn.

 

 

 

A 2012 U.S. Olympian at the London Games, Spence has knocked out 10 straight opponents to climb the ranks of the division. In the wake of Floyd Mayweather’s retirement from boxing, four of the top-five ranked welterweights-Danny Garcia of Philadelphia, Shawn Porter of Las Vegas, Keith Thurman of Clearwater, Fla., and Spence-are all vying for the top spot in one of history’s most popular weight classes.

 

 

 

“I’m honored to be fighting in Dallas before my hometown fans and the people who have supported me from the beginning,” said Spence, who last fought in Dallas in 2015, a knockout victory over Alejandro Barrera. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while now. It’s going to be great to fight at The Star, and because I’m a big Dallas Cowboys fan, I’m looking forward to fighting on the campus of Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.

 

 

 

“I believe that I’m the number one fighter in the welterweight division and I’ll step into the ring on June 16 with that feeling. I’m going to draw from the energy of my fans. I’ve studied some of Ocampo and I can tell he likes to box but he’s willing to get into a fight. I know how he feels going into someone else’s hometown for his first shot at the title. This is his big opportunity and it’s going to make this a great event.”

 

 

 

The 22-year-old Ocampo (22-0, 13 KOs) will be taking a major step forward in his career with this mandatory title challenge against Spence. Ocampo, of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico will be making his U.S. debut and fighting professionally outside of Mexico for the first time. Ocampo is a two-time silver medalist at the Mexican Olympiad, an amateur national championship tournament. His holds significant professional victories over former world title challengers Jorge Paez, Jr. and Charlie Navarro while he most recently scored a seventh round stoppage of Dario Ferman in November.

 

 

 

“I’m training very hard for my fight against Errol Spence Jr.,” said Ocampo. “This is the opportunity that I’ve worked my whole life to get and I’m coming to take Spence’s belt on June 16. I will give the fans a very exciting fight and show once again what Mexican fighters are made of.”

 

 

 

About The Star

 

 

The Star is the 91-acre campus of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco, Texas. Developed as a first-of-its-kind partnership between the City of Frisco and Frisco ISD, The Star features Ford Center, a 12,000-seat stadium that hosts Frisco ISD football games and other events; Cowboys Fit, a 60,000 square-foot gym developed in partnership with leading fitness developer, Mark Mastrov; and Cowboys Club, a members-only club where the country club meets the NFL; The Omni Frisco Hotel, a 16-floor, 300-room luxury hotel; Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy & Research at The Star, a 300,000 square-foot center of excellence for sports medicine set to open in 2018; as well as a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. For more information on The Star, visit: http://thestarinfrisco.com.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports , www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.thestarinfrisco.com. Follow us on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @ErrolSpenceJr, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @TheStarinFrisco and @Swanson_Comm  or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.Facebook.com/thestarfrisco. PBC is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.