Category Archives: boxing

boxing

OPPONENTS ANNOUNCED FOR HUMBERTO “TITO” VELAZCO    and   DAMIEN “SUGAR” VAZQUEZ

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“FERIA de CAMPEONES”
April 28, 2018 in Aguascalientes, MX

AGUASCALIENTES, MX (April 16, 2018) – Opponents have been announced for Humberto “Tito” Velazco (19-1-1, 13 KOs) and Damien “Sugar” Vazquez (13-0, 7 KOs), who are both scheduled to fight on April 28, 2018 in Aguascalientes, MX, on the “Feria de Campeones” card, promoted by Sugar Promotions.

 

 

 

Velazco, who hails from Aguascalientes, will face Columbian power puncher, Davis Caceres(25-8, 20 KOs), in a 10-round main event bout, for the vacant WBC Silver Super Middleweight title. Vazquez, from Las Vegas, NV, will battle Venezuela’s Luis Golindano (9-0, 6 KOs), for the WBC Jr. Bantamweight Youth World title, in a 10-round co-main event clash.

 

 

 

In his last fight on the undercard of Victor Ortiz vs. Devon Alexander, Velazco scored an impressive 4th-round knockout over, Thomas Williams Jr. (20-4, 14KOs), who was ranked top ten in the world one time. Velazco’s powerful straight left to the head of Williams ended the bout, and the punch was the knockout of the night. For this fight, Velazco, who is currently ranked WBC #17 at light heavyweight, will go down to super middleweight against Caceres.

 

 

 

“Although my last fight was at light-heavyweight, I’ll be campaigning at super-middleweight when I face Caceres,” said Velazco, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. “I’m very thankful to Sugar Promotions and the WBC for letting me fight for the vacant Silver super-middleweight title. Caceres is a big puncher, so I’m taking this fight very seriously. But make no mistake about it, I’m going for the knockout. I’m very confident that in the very near future, I’ll be knocking on the doorstep of a world championship bout.”

 

 

 

The winner of Velazco vs. Caceres, will face the winner of Dmitrii Chudinov vs. Azizbek Abdugofurov. That winner, will be one step closer to fighting for the WBC super-middleweight title against David Benavidez.

 

 

 

Damien Vazquez, age 20, will be looking to make a statement against Luis Golindano.

Against Miguel Lizardo in his last fight, Vazquez scored a 5th round TKO. Damien, who is the younger brother of former two-time world champion Israel Vazquez, has been training in Aguascalientes for the last two weeks.

 

 

 

“I wanted to host camp in Aguascalientes since I’m going to be promoting a lot of fights out here,” said Damien Vazquez, whose father Oscar Vazquez runs his promotional company, Sugar Promotions. “My goal is to win impressively against Golindano and let everyone in my division know that I’m coming.”

 

 

 

“Feria de Campeones”, will take place at the world-famous Plaza deToros San Marcos in Aguascalientes, MX. Stadium View Network (SVN) will distribute the entire fight card to its network in the U.S., which include Racetracks, Casinos, and bars. In addition, Sugar Promotions will be live streaming the event over the internet on Facebook Live, and Nextchannel.tv.

amateur boxing, boxing, USA Boxing

New York Metro’s “Road to the Garden” Finalists – Time to Buy Tickets!

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18 Exciting shows bring us to the end of our tournament. Since March 1, the athletes have been battling for a spot at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2018. This is the list of competitions that have made it. Come see them battle for a title, in the Ring Master’s Championships.

 

 

MSG is offering a 25% discount to USA Boxing Metro members using the code MSGRING on checkout: https://bit.ly/2Io7MhG

 

 

The final lineup for the MSG Ring Masters Championships on Friday, April 20h at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater is set! Here is the lineup (Red corner/Blue corner):

 

 

123 Novice: Lawrence Bautista (Yonkers PAL) vs Justice Bland (PacPlex BC)

106 Female: Sabrina Slattery (SweatBox) vs Juliette Ladisa (Champs BC)

114 Open: Andy Dominguez (Mendez BC) vs Gerardo Vazquez (Atlas Cops & Kids)

132 Novice: Taqee McDaniel (Eastern Queens BC) vs Ronny Reyes (Morris Park BC)

112 Female: Lina Vezzani-Katano (Church Street BC) vs Kathreen Sterling (Gleason’s Athletic Club)

141 Novice: Adel Lakrouf (Underground BC) vs Saul De Los Santos (Brotherhood BC)

119 Female: Iman James (Gleason’s Athletic Club) vs Gabrielle Gulfin (Gleason’s Athletic Club)

123 Open: Dominique Crowder (NYAC) vs Daniil Platonovschi (Atlas Cops & Kids)

125 Female: Nyisha Goodluck (Gleason’s Athletic Club) vs Meagan Owen (SouthBox)

132 Open: Jonibek Khotamov (Atlas Cops & Kids) vs Brandon Browne (Atlas Cops & Kids)

152 Novice: Zachary Blumberg (Freeport PAL) vs David Moore (Freeport PAL)

141 Open: Steven Galeano (Bronxchester BC) vs Deyshawn Williams (Eastern Queens BC)

165 Novice: Marco Cruz (Atlas Cops & Kids) vs John McDonagh (Woodside BC)

132 Female: Gvantsa Pantsulaia (Gleason’s Athletic Club) vs Jennifer Lopez (Mendez BC)

201+ Master: Jonathan Troncoso (Main Street BC) vs Richard Adamson II (Champs BC)

152 Open: Alex Vargas (Finest Fitness) vs Reshat Mati (Atlas Cops & Kids)

178 Novice: Edwing Lachapelle (New-Bed Stuy BC) vs Fabio Guzman (Brotherhood BC)

141 Female: Sarah Thomas (Unattached) vs Macarena Soto (Freeport PAL)

165 Open: Nikita Ababiy (Atlas Cops & Kids) vs Brett Pastore (Animals MMA)

201 Novice: Calvin Belgrave (Starrett City BC) vs Orville Crooks (Mendez BC)

178 Open: Afunwa King (El Maestro BC) vs Kristiani Shytani (Morris Park BC)

201+ Novice: Jeremiah Gurley (Gleason’s Athletic Club) vs Pryce Taylor (Atlas Cops and Kids)

201 Open: Gergo Savoly (Underground BC) vs Matthew Tinker (NYAC)

201+ Open: Michael Cserenyi (Royals BC) vs Nkosi Solomon (Atlas Cops & Kids)

 

 

 

Support Metro and help send athletes to national competitions by sponsoring a bout! Go tohttps://usa-boxing-metro.myshopify.com/ to buy donate or sponsor a Finals bout!

 

 

Tickets are now available for the Finals bouts at Gleason’s Gym (ask for Bruce), and from Madison Square Garden at https://www.msg.com/calendar/the-theater-at-madison-square-garden-april-2018-msg-boxing-presents-ring-masters-championship.   Support Metro and BUY TICKETS NOW!!!

 

 

For information, go to usaboxingmetro.com, and be sure to watch the action live on YouTube and Facebook at Puglife Chronicles (@puglifechronicles).

boxing

Irish Sensation Connor Coyle headlines June 16 in St. Petersburg, FL

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St. Petersburg, FL (April 15, 2018) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions will take over The Coliseum in St. Petersburg when they present a seven fight card Saturday, June 16.

 

 

 

This exciting evening is headlined by unbeaten middleweight Connor “The Kid” Coyle as he looks to capture his first championship when he meets Danny “El Bebo” Pastrana for the NBA Middleweight title.

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale now at https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0D00548D9F1C967E.

 

 

 

One of Ireland’s top amateurs, Coyle captured a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. As a pro, the 27-year-old has a perfect 7-0 ledger with 2 wins by knockout. Representing his native Derry, Northern Ireland and his adopted hometown of Tampa, FL, Coyle’s two most recent victories came against previously unbeaten foes in Calvin Metcalf (6-0) and Joshua Maxwell (2-0).

 

 

 

Fighting out of Orlando, FL, Pastrana is 6-4 with 1 KO. Pastrana has wins over two previously unbeaten foes and lost a close decision against future world title contender Wilky Campfort. On June 16, Pastrana looks to upset the applecart by conquering Coyle.

 

 

 

Coyle-Pastrana is scheduled for ten rounds.

 

 

 

“We’ve had a great local response to this scheduled main event,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Danny came to our last fight card and we did two face-offs with Connor. There is definitely a lot of pride at stake and I have no question this will be an action-packed fight. Both men have strong crowd support and are coming into the fight with plenty of confidence but only one will go home as the new NBA champion.”

 

 

 

In the highly-anticipated eight round co-feature, popular cruiserweight Nicholas “The Showstopper” Iannuzzi, 19-4 (11 KO’s) of Tampa meets Georgia-based Puerto Rican Vincent Miranda. Out of the ring for close to four years to help care for his special needs child, Iannuzzi made his emotional return March 3 and scored a dramatic third round knockout of Lemarcus Tucker. Miranda, 17-2 (9 KO’s), has a win over former NABO and USBA champion Brian Barbosa.

 

 

 

Exciting featherweight Ricky “Cowboy” Tomlinson of Thonotosassa, FL goes for his second straight victory when he challenges Washington DC’s Jordan “The Kidd” Peters in a six rounder. Tomlinson, 6-3-2 (2 KO’s), looked good in his last bout, a unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Ernest Hall.

 

 

 

Junior middleweight Ali Tarah of St. Petersburg looks to end his career with a victory in his six round fight against West Palm Beach, FL’s Jose Cortes. A veteran of 31 professional fights, Tareh owns a gym and promotes fights under the Pahlavan Promotions banner.

 

 

 

In other bouts, Joseph Fernandez will face an opponent to be announced in a junior welterweight matchup, heavyweight Rodriguez Cade faces Nathaniel Copeland in a four rounder and junior lightweight Kendrick Thomas looks to win his pro debut when he squares off in a four round tilt with Patrick Gutierrez.

 

 

 

All bouts are pending Florida State Athletic Commission approval.

 

 

 

For more information on Fire Fist, visit Firefistboxing.net or Facebook.com/Firefistboxing.

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Welterweight Contender Jamal James Wins Majority Decision Over Abel Ramos in Front of Hometown Crowd Friday Night in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event From the Armory in Minneapolis

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Edner Cherry Defeats Dennis Galarza by Unanimous Decision in

Back and Forth Lightweight Showdown

&

Chris Colbert Wins Battle of Unbeaten Prospects by TKO Over

Austin Dulay After Seven Rounds

 

 

 

Unbeaten Prospect Sebastian Fondora Stops Veshawn Owens; Top Prospect Joey Spencer Earns Knockout Victory

 

 

 

Click HERE for Photos from Brian Schroeder/Premier Boxing Champions

(Photos to be added shortly)

 

 

 

MINNEAPOLIS (April 14, 2018) – Welterweight contender Jamal James (23-1, 10 KOs) earned a hard fought majority decision over Abel Ramos (18-3-2, 13 KOs) in front of his hometown fans Friday night in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Armory in Minneapolis.

 

 

 

“It feels so great to get this win in Minneapolis in front of all of my people here,” said James, “Ramos was a tough opponent who gave me a great challenge, but I was able to keep my composure and give the fans a win.”

 

 

 

James used his 6-foot-2 frame and reach advantage to beat Ramos to the punch in round one, but was clipped in round two by a left hook from the game Ramos that had the local favorite in temporary trouble and on the defensive.

 

 

 

The Minneapolis-native was able to regain his composure and return to the offensive as he poured right hands behind a strong jab along with movement that made it difficult for Ramos to land cleanly. Ramos continued to charge forward however, emphasizing body shots that slowed James down and allowed him to win rounds.

 

 

 

“I had to dig down tonight but I think it was a good fight for me to grind out,” said James. “I’m going to keep getting better and I hope to have a chance to display my talents at home again. I know if I keep working, I’m going to get a chance to prove myself against the best out there.”

 

 

 

James was able to send the hometown fans happy after 10 rounds, with judges giving him the majority decision by scores of 95-95 and 96-94 twice.

 

 

 

The telecast also featured a spirited 10-round lightweight clash that saw Edner Cherry (37-7-2, 19 KOs)earn a close but unanimous decision over Dennis Galarza(16-3, 9 KOs).

 

 

 

Galarza controlled the early action with his jab and a powerful right hand that appeared to have Cherry stunned in the first round. His length advantage was key until Cherry was able to establish position on the inside.

 

 

 

Cherry began to land several powerful shots on Galarza with both hands in the middle rounds, backing Galarza up and taking away much of power on his shots. Galarza tried to back off and box Cherry more down the stretch, but was unable to avoid the oncoming Cherry as often as he needed.

 

 

 

After 10 rounds all three judges favored the work of Cherry by scores of 97-93 and 96-94 twice.

 

 

 

In a battle of unbeaten prospects, Chris Colbert (8-0, 2 KOs) scored a TKO victory over Austin Dulay (11-1, 8 KOs)after seven rounds of lightweight action.

 

 

 

Colbert was first to the punch from the outset, landing straight right hands cleanly before flummoxing Dulay by switching to the southpaw stance. Colbert scored a knockdown in round six with a combo punctuated by a powerful body shot. After a dominant seventh round, referee Mark Nelson stopped the fight after checking on Dulay in his corner.

 

 

 

Additional action saw 6-foot-6 unbeaten prospect Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fondora (9-0, 5 KOs) stop previously unbeaten Veshawn Owens (9-1, 9 KOs)at 2:27 of the fifth round of their super welterweight fight and 17-year-old former amateur standout Joey Spencer (2-0, 2 KOs)deliver a dominant TKO 51 seconds into the first round against Ousmane Sylla (1–3-1, 1 KO) in a super welterweight contest.

 

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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.

 

 

 

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @WarriorsBoxProm, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes was sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina and promoted byWarriors Boxing and TGB Promotions.

 

boxing

KING’S PROMOTIONS FULL CARD CARD STREAMED LIVE TONIGHT ON KINGS BOXING FACEBOOK PAGE BEGINNING AT 7:05 PM ET

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Bethlehem, PA (April 13, 2018) -TONIGHT’S King’s Promotions 6 bout card will be streamed on King’s Boxing Facebook page live beginning at 7:05 PM ET.

The show, which originates from the Sands Bethlehem Event Center is headlined by an 8-round junior lightweight bout between Frank De Alba and O’Shaquie Foster
Full Lineup:
8 Rounds–Junior Lightweights–Frank De Alba (22-2-2, 9 KO’s) vs O’Shaquie Foster (12-2, 8 KOs)
6 Rounds–Cruiserweights–Luther Smith (9-2, 8 KOs) vs Elvin
Sanchez (8-3-1, 6 KOs)
4 Rounds–Featherweights–Martino Jules (3-0) vs Vincent Jennings (5-4, 4 KOs)
6 Rounds–Junior Middleweights–James Robinson (4-9-4, 1 KO) vs Greg Jackson (8-5-1, 2 KOs)
6 Rounds–Welterweights–Jesus Perez (3-0, 1 KO) vs Anthony Sonnier (3-0, 2 KOs)
6 Rounds–Junior Middleweights–Craig Callaghan (17-1, 7 KOs) vs Cesar Soriano Berumen (28-37-2, 17 KOs)
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $50, $75 and $100, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.
boxing

Mykal Fox takes on Anthony Mercado in main event on Friday, May 11th at The SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia

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Philadelphia, Penn. (April 13, 2018)–Undefeated junior welterweight Mykal Fox will continue his towards being a top contender when he takes on Anthony Mercado in the eight-round main event of a card that will take place on Friday, May 11th at the SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

 

 

 

In the eight-round co-feature,  junior welterweight’s Tyrone Crawley, Jr. will take on Zack Ramsey

 

 

 

Fox of Forestville, Maryland has a record of 16-0 with four knockouts.

 

 

 

The 22 year-old Fox is a four-year professional, who has been a main event fighter for the better part of two years.

 

 

 

Fox is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Garcia (14-1) on February 13th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

Mercado of Arecibo, Puerto Rico has a record of 11-3 with 10 knockouts.

 

 

 

The 23 year-old Mercado is a six-year professional, who is coming off a 3rd round stoppage over Crawley (7-0) in a bout that took place on March 2nd at The SugarHouse Casino.

 

 

 

 

Crawley of Philadelphia has a record of 7-1.

 

 

 

 

The 32 year-old son of former world title challenger Tyrone “Butterfly” Crawley is a six-year professional, who will be looking to get back in the win column after being forced to retire in his bout with Mercado with a wrist injury.

 

 

 

Ramsey of Springfield, Massachusetts has a record of 8-3 with 4 knockouts.

 

 

 

The 28 year-old Ramsey is a six-year professional who has wins over undefeated fighters Edwin Soto (9-0-2) and Divante Jones (9-0).

 

 

 

Ramsey is coming off being stopped by Josue Vargas on March 10th in Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

 

In a six-round heavyweight bout, undefeated heavyweight’s Colby Madison (6-0-2, 4 KOs) of Owings Mills, Maryland takes on Michael Coffie (2-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn, New York.

 

 

 

Returning to the ring will fighter-turned ring announcer, Alex Barbosa (5-3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a four-round super bantamweight bout.

 

 

 

Also scheduled to appear will be bantamweight Romuel Cruz (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round bout.

 

 

 

A full undercard will be announced shortly.

 

 

 

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

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Jermall Charlo & Hugo Centeno Jr. Discuss Upcoming Showdown Saturday, April 21 Live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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Charlo & Centeno Battle for Interim WBC Middleweight Title

In Premier Boxing Champions Event

 

 

 

BROOKLYN (April 13, 2018) – Undefeated former world champion Jermall Charlo and once-beaten contender Hugo Centeno Jr. discussed their upcoming matchup before they step into the ring on Saturday, April 21 for the WBC Interim Middleweight Title live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING.

 

 

 

The Premier Boxing Champions event is headlined by a showdown between four-division world champion Adrien Broner and two-division world champion Jessie Vargas. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with former world champions Gervonta Davis and Jesus Cuellar battling for the WBA 130-pound Super Featherweight World Championship.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, DiBella Entertainment and TGB Promotions, start at $50 and can be purchased atticketmaster.com, barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.

 

 

 

The Charlo vs. Centeno bout was moved from an original date of March 3 due to a Centeno rib injury, and now the rescheduled bout is just over a week away, with Centeno fully recovered from the ailment.

 

 

 

“My ribs are fine,” said Centeno. “It was a minor injury, but there was no way I could have fought on our originally scheduled date when it happened. I feel great now though. It healed perfectly.”

 

 

 

Centeno will now finally face Charlo, the former 154-pound champion and one half of the devastatingly powerful Charlo twins, along with his brother, current 154-pound champion Jermell. For Jermall, this fight is a chance to begin making his mark in a second division.

 

 

 

“I want to send a message to the world that I’m going to dominate the 160-pound division, while my brother proves he’s the best 154-pounder on the planet,” said Charlo. “Once I get my shot, you will all see what I’m talking about. Hugo Centeno Jr. is just in the way of that process. After April 21, you’ll be able to see what I’m really made of.”

 

 

 

As Centeno winds down training camp at Wild Card Boxing in Hollywood with head trainer Eric Brown, he has made sure to focus on what will happen April 21 instead of any pre-fight talk or hype.

 

 

 

“I am just excited by this opportunity,” said Centeno. “Charlo can say whatever he wants. None of it is going to affect me. On April 21, it’s just me and him in that ring and anything can happen.

 

 

 

“This has been another great camp for me, even with the injury hitch. I’m a night owl who likes to train at all hours. We go late into the night and I think that helps me on fight night.”

 

 

 

Centeno put himself back into the ranks of middleweight contenders with a highlight reel knockout of Immanuwel Aleem last August. Charlo, however, knows that he will pose a different set of problems for Centeno.

 

 

 

“I’m not Immanuwel Aleem and I’ll let you all see that when April 21 gets here,” said Charlo. “It’s a whole different ball game when you get in there trying to trade with me. You better have power, so I hope he’s ready for it.”

 

 

 

Charlo has been hard at work in his hometown of Houston, working with head trainer Ronnie Shields. With the extended training camp, Charlo has had time to improve on his already lethal arsenal.

 

 

 

“I’m still improving as a fighter,” said Charlo. “I’ve gotten faster, sharper and I’m able to take more punches than I used to. I’ve been working hard to increase my punch output as well. Nobody can do what I’m doing in the ring.

 

 

 

“Boxing is all about adjusting and that’s what I’m good at. That’s my best attribute and my team has worked with me so I can make that adjustment on fight night. We always go into the ring ready to fight a different fight than the time before.”

 

 

 

With fight night nearing, both fighters are gearing up to head to Brooklyn with the hopes of announcing themselves as a danger in the 160-pound division on April 21.

 

 

 

 

“I’ve fought on some big stages in my career, but nothing compares to this,” said Centeno. “This is my first title shot and I’m going to take full advantage. I’m not worried about Charlo or being the underdog or anything really. I know I have what it takes to win this fight.”

 

 

 

“Hugo is in the way of my process right now,” said Charlo. “I’ve got to go through him to get to my goal. We’ll see if he’s able to hold up against the power, speed and athleticism that I have. If not, I’m going to hurt him, real bad.”

 

 

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For more information, visit www.SHO.com/Sports, andwww.PremierBoxingChampions.com. Follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @AdrienBroner, @JVargasBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @LouDiBella, @DiBellaEnt, @TGBPromotions, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing, www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotionsand www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

THE ROAD TO GOLD: FIGHTNIGHT LIVE HEADS TO ROCHESTER, NY, ON SATURDAY, APRIL 14 TO SHOWCASE OLYMPIC HOPEFULS

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2018 National Silver Gloves 110-lbs. Champion Manny Gonzalez and others look to represent The Flower City as its first USA Boxing Olympic Team members.

 

 

 

Online: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/
 

 

NEW YORK (April 13, 2018) – Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased up-and-coming professional fighters since its inception 11 months ago, and next, the fan-friendly combat sports series looks to give fans a true preview of some blockbuster coming attractions. Boxing fans who want a first look at the future of the sport can tune in on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET via any device wherever Facebook is available and catch upstate New York’s Olympic hopefuls live from Rochester on “The Road To Gold In Tokyo.”

 

 

 

“It’s been our mission since Day 1 to provide a platform for those young fighters who can really benefit from exposure to an audience of 100,000 or more on our Facebook channel,” said Mark Fratto, Principal of Linacre Media. “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE now takes this effort one step further by showcasing a young star in National Silver Gloves Champ Manny Gonzalez, and other U.S. National Team/USA Boxing hopefuls, live from the Main Street Armory in Rochester this weekend.”

 

 

 

Now approaching 1.4 million views for the series, Saturday’s “Road To Gold” continues FIGHTNIGHT LIVE’s meteoric 11-month rise, which has already included six live shows in the first three months of 2018.

 

 

 

“As someone who has managed six world champions and numerous other boxing contenders over a thirty-year span, I am proud and excited to be an adviser to Fight Factory in presenting this unique program in conjunction with Linacre Media. Having managed three former American Olympians – Oscar De La Hoya, Larry Donald and Lawrence Clay Bey – I know that this series has a true opportunity to discover Olympic talent with the hope of bringing Olympic Gold back to the United States,” said Road To Gold adviser Stephen Nelson.

 

 

 

This Saturday’s three-plus hour show will feature Angel “Manny” Gonzalez, who captured the 110-lbs. crown at the 2018 National Silver Gloves Tournament, following up on his 2017 Silver Gloves national title. Other promising young amateurs to watch include the No. 1-ranked nine/ten year-old at 70 lbs. and 2018 Silver Gloves champion Fynest Cummings, the No. 2-ranked eight year-old and 2018 Silver Gloves silver medalist Javier Mitchell and four-time National Golden Gloves champion Lawrence “I Have A Dream” King, who works in the Monroe County Sherriff’s Department when not serving as a sparring partner for notable professional boxers.

 

 

 

“The Road to Gold is going to be a top-shelf amateur event that will create a solid platform for many local fighters. As the head trainer of Top 10 ranked professional boxer Willie Monroe Jr., and a positive role model in the community, we are just trying to give back to these kids who work so hard inside and outside of the gym,” said T.J. Nolan of Rochester Fight Factory. “These young athletes deserve to showcase their talents to the world and we are providing an opportunity for them to do so through this event. I am excited to see these young athletes get a chance show the world what they are made of.”

 

 

 

Over the first 10-plus months of programming, the numbers on the 16-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 86,393 fight fans tuning in per event and almost 1.4 million fans served.

 

 

 

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) and the March 17 Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (150,001) all logged 150,000 or more views, and collectively the 16-show series has seen a total of more than 29,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,382,290 users across all devices.

 

 

 

n addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 171,000 collective live post engagements (more than 10,500 per show), including more than 115,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 29,000 comments and more than 9,000 shares.

 

 

 

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.

 

 

 

The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Feb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17 Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

 

 

 

The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 80,000 fans and more than 83,000 followers. And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity:

https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/success-stories/fightnight

 

 

 

Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has been delivered to fans absolutely free since its May 2017 launch courtesy of series corporate partners like Elite Heat Water, Montauk Iced Tea (montaukbev.com), Mr. Custom Made (mrcustommade.com) and BallWash (ballwash.com).

 

 

 

On Saturday, April 14, live from live from the Main Street Armory in Rochester, N.Y., fans can expect a high-impact, multi-camera streaming experience complete with graphics, animations, replays, interviews and an announce team anchored by blow-by-blow announcer Ray Flores of Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime Boxing, HBO Boxing and CBS Sports Network. Joining Flores is Rochester native and two-time world title challenger and top contender Willie “Mongoose” Monroe, Jr., and area sportscaster John DiTullio from The Brother Wease Show and DiTullio and Moran, both carried via I Heart Media stations. To provide spectators with a fully-interactive ringside experience, commentators will ask and respond to questions from the Facebook audience throughout the broadcast.

 

 

 

“As someone who is proud to represent the Rochester community, I couldn’t be more proud of our own local boxers who will be participating in this weekend’s Road to Gold in Tokyo amateur boxing event at the Main Street Armory,” said Monroe. “I know the hard work and dedication it takes and I know that they have what it takes to make us all proud. I salute each and every one of them.”

 

 

 

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

 

 

 

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Spring and Summer 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/

 

 

 

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and@FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow@LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.
boxing

RUBEN VILLA: ‘I’M PRETTY SURE ME AND SHAKUR STEVENSON WILL FIGHT AGAIN’

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  https://www.ringtv.com/533294-ruben-villa-im-pretty-sure-shakur-stevenson-will-fight/

 

 

 

BY JOSEPH SANTOLIQUITO (RINGTV.COM)

 

 

 

The encouragement wasn’t so subtle, as Ruben Villa IV looked up from his muddy hands and knees, wiping his sweaty brow with his forearm and wondering if the day would ever end. Ruben Villa III, Villa’s father, blurted out, “Do you want to do this for the rest of your life? You better start getting serious about boxing,” or working in sweltering 90-degree heat in the fields would become a fact of life.

 

 

 

Villa, the gifted featherweight southpaw, was around 15 years old, at the time, and boxing was just something to fill the time. Though sweating in the gym certainly beat toiling for his father in the summer, lugging boxes, landscaping in what Villa describes as a “big old yard,” and making deliveries.

 

 

 

“Boxing, to me, was hard at the time and I was too immature to understand the work that you had to put into it to be successful,” said Villa, who will turn 21 next week. “I had to learn sacrifices were needed in order to be successful. Nothing was going to be handed to me. Once my father took me to work that day, I decided, no, I’d rather get paid to beat someone up.”

 

 

 

That next someone for Villa (10-0, 4 knockouts) could be Colombian Marlon Olea (13-2, 12 KOs) in Villa’s first scheduled eight-rounder, from the Salinas Storm House, in Salinas, California, on Saturday night. This is the first time Villa will be fighting at home as a pro, as the main event.

 

 

 

“When I’m sweating and working my ass off at the gym, I think back to the times I worked with my father and I’ll always remember that,” said Villa, the only boy of five children. “I’m not afraid of hard work but there are better ways to get paid. There are worse situations than boxing and boxing for a living can be a hard life too. You’re away from your family for a month and you’re sweating just as hard as when I worked for my father, who has a job in the agriculture business, doing everything from driving a forklift to making deliveries.

 

 

 

“You appreciate hard work once you see what you’re doing to keep food on the table. You get a greater appreciation when you do what they do. I used to help my father when I was in my mid-teens a couple of times. I did whatever my father told me to do. It meant doing all of the moving, boxes, wooden pallets and this yard that was always dirty. I helped my dad with deliveries and cleaning that big old yard of his. I never wanted to go back to that.”

 

It made Villa look at boxing differently.

 

 

 

“This fight with Olea is another step for me,” said Villa, whose patience belies his age. “My time will come eventually. I know that. Olea, I know, is a Colombian who is 13-2 and he has 12 knockouts, so he comes pretty heavy-handed. My sparring went well. I had some heavier guys come in and I’m ready to show what I can do.”

 

 

 

Villa is hoping his career continues on an upward trajectory, so he can one day professionally meet 2016 U.S. Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson, who Villa defeated twice in 2015, as an amateur. The 5-foot-6 Villa, who started boxing when he was five to curb his overly rambunctious behavior, and Stevenson, who is 5-0, with 2 KOs as a pro, are both featherweights.

 

 

 

After Villa beat Stevenson the second time in 2015, Stevenson made the photo of the referee raising Villa’s hand the screensaver on his cell phone. Stevenson got his revenge by beating Villa twice at the Olympic Trials, in December 2015, to earn a spot on the U.S. team for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

 

 

 

“Somewhere down the line, I’m pretty sure me and Stevenson will happen again,” Villa said. “I want to see him again. Once we make a name for ourselves, it will happen. We’ll get that fight in and there is a rivalry between us. I know more people in boxing may know him more than they know me but I don’t care.

 

 

 

“I’ve always had the idea to push through with hard work. I’ll get mine eventually.”

 

 

 

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $75 & $125, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

All fights will be live streamed on TB Presents: New Blood via Thompson Boxing Facebook page and ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert color commentary.

 

 

 

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. local time with the first bout at approximately 6:00 p.m. The Salinas Storm House is located at 185 Maryal Dr. Salinas, CA 93907.

 

 

 

“New Blood” is presented by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

 

 

 

Photo Credit Emily Harney / Banner Promotions

Bellator, boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC, wrestling

FNU Combat Sports Show: McGregor Goes Berserk, UFC 223 Card Suffers, Event Recaps and Previews

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This week’s show features Tom, Tony and Rich chatting about the circus atmosphere surrounding UFC 223, starting with Conor McGregor’s hand cart throwing incident. We also recap the past week’s boxing and MMA events, and we even briefly discuss Ronda Rousey’s Wrestlemania performance and the news that Brock Lesnar recently signed an extension to stay with the WWE. Listen to the broadcast below: